NoGarlicNoOnions – Introducing Anthony Rahayel – Food, Travel Blogger

A couple of months ago, as I was going through YouTube to find some literature and information on Lebanon and Lebanese foods, I came across a video NoGarlicNoOnions, so I was intrigued and decided to click on the video that was close to an hour long, so I decided to watch the whole video, and a couple of minutes in, I became hooked, and then I watched another few following. So, these videos have been around for a few years now, and I just suddenly found this now, which is better late than never.

NoGarlicNoOnions was founded by Anthony Rahayel back in 2012. Anthony and his film crew began introducing us to Lebanese culture, food, taking us to villages, cities, and towns of Lebanon and amongst him visiting Armenia and Italy tasting all kinds of foods amongst other places he has traveled. He also travels and explores at the same time when he is tasting delicious food, that you just want to eat your screen.

Anthony’s contagious and positive approach and the way he explains how the food is made, the texture, quality is out of this world and so much fun to watch. He speaks Lebanese and also he says a few words of English as well. Thank goodness my mother and my neighbors who are my family now, translate words, phrases and sentences to me, so that I can understand what Anthony is saying and its incredible how many words and sentences I know now of Lebanese by just watching Anthony, NoGarlicNoOnions. Thanks to them all, I am more aware of what is going on when I watch.

His passion and drive toward the culinary world is extremely visible. His expression and enjoyment can be felt. He has over 2500 reviews on various topics from air travel, restaurants, gadgets, food and more.

He also goes out to search for restaurants, and small family owned eateries for them to gain exposure, so that tourists, Lebanese people who live in Lebanon and others can go to those places and support these vendors. These hidden eateries are discovered and explained so well.

NoGarlicNoOnions goes above and beyond when explaining. Thorough, detailed and never boring. When he went to Armenia especially really excited me even more about him. I am Armenian and I truly appreciate him going to visit, spending time with Armenians, tasting our food, embracing our culture and having his viewers know about Armenia and Armenians and the food. I truly appreciate him for taking the time to go there and to enjoy our Motherland. It means a lot. NoGarlicNoOnions has a special place in my heart.

You can now say that I am obsessed with Lebanon further and I have the desire to visit hearing all the stories and my desire for tasting the delicious food, desserts, ice cream, drinks, and everything. I have a lot of Facebook friends and I also have family in Lebanon as well. Anthony gave me the idea, and understanding on how Lebanon is and now I have a better picture in my mind of how it is.

Lebanon is such a beautiful country that is on my bucket list to travel to. Hopefully, in the next couple of years, my dream will come true. I hope that Anthony Rahayel will be there to give me a guided and professional tour around the beautiful country and take me to great places to eat and enjoy the ambiance of it all, to enjoy the nightlife as well.

My family and I are hooked on his videos and I have subscribed and followed all of his social media accounts online. Recently, I contacted him expressing my admiration toward him. He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter and he has his own website called nogarlicnoonions.com – He also have photographs of his travel adventures, food, and so much more.

Anthony and his team have received travel, food, blogger, awards and more. Search for Anthony Rahayel and NoGarlicNoOnions and you will see what I am talking about. I am hoping that I will meet him in person. I am now a fan of him for life. Thank you, Anthony, for taking me up close and personal through videos. Hopefully, I will come and see the real deal and soon.

Following links for more information.

http://www.nogarlicnoonions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nogarlicnoonions
http://instagram.com/nogarlicnoonions

Tweets by NoGarlicNoOnion

https://www.youtube.com/user/rahayel
https://www.zomato.com/nogarlicnoonions

25 Signs that You Don’t Like Winter At All

This is for all those people who do not like winter at all, the many reasons that we can all understand with all the freezing temperatures, snowfall and well, you know the rest.

Here are 25 signs that we don’t like it at all:

1. We absolutely detest shoveling snow off our walkways and driveways

2. Cleaning the snow off the car is a problem

3. Snow, slush and salty roads lead to dirty floors, and disgusting residue that is absolutely a big task to clean and we go crazy over it — OCD and very super clean people know it especially.

4. Seeing the exterior of cars all filled with dirty slushy, saltiness – the interior, the car matts and carpet filled with disgusting winter stuff.

5. Absolutely dislike going grocery or any other type of shopping, taking bags to the car, filling up the car, taking it home, unloading in the freezing cold. Those people who walk to home too with shopping bags in their hands. Its absolutely a headache. You not only have to watch out for the bags, but you have to look on the ground to make sure you don’t slip and slide and fall all over the place.

6. Having 20 pounds of stuff on you to keep you warm. Jackets, coats, long underwear, scarfs, hats, mitts, gloves, boots, sweaters, all these uncomfortable things of winter time. Taking 10 minutes to put everything on.

7. Driving in the freezing cold when the heat in the car is on full blast.

8. having to go to a party or function dressed nicely underneath and you are freezing and sometimes you opt out of going places because you don’t want to leave your warm house.

9. Having to go to work or school in this season. Working outside in this weather and those who work in the transport industry hauling products, driving in these terrible snowy white out conditions.

10. When it gets so dark so quickly, you just want to be in bed by 7 or 8pm thinking and feeling like it is midnight already.

11. heading to the mall, other stores, restaurants, coffee shops and you walk in and the floors are like a sea of white salt and dirt from the parking lot from tires, car fumes, and well the dirt from the cement and asphalt.

12. just when you thought, you had finished shoveling or snow blowing, another 30 cm’s of snow falls the next day. You begin cursing and all the bad words start coming out. just like the line from a gangster movie (Just as I wanted to go out, they pull me back in).

13. When there is freezing rain and snow which makes it so much harder to walk and the risk of falling down on your butt is pretty high.

14. sharing the frustration and creating Hate Winter Clubs on social media is a valid thing to do and seeing that others share the same frustrations is so understandable. I created The I Hate Winter Club page on Facebook just for these points.

15. When sharing I hate winter memes and funny posts make things a little better for us who detest this season with a passion.

17. When you have to use a lot of windshield washer fluid to get rid of salt, grime, snow, and all that crap from the roads and other cars that splash all that on your windshield from driving.

18. Having to change your tires to snow tires.

19. having snow brushes and squeegees in your car.

20. When you put outdoor plans on hold for 5 to 6 months of the year.

21. When you can’t wait until March comes to welcome spring.

22. When you see others enjoying winter. saying in your mind “Are you crazy? You like this weather?” What is so good about it? Nothing can convince winter haters to start liking winter. It is not happening.

23. When you never participate in any Winter sports or activities. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

24. When flu/cold/cough season begins and you stock up on medications and tissues like no tomorrow.

25. When you see winter commercials on TV or ad’s on social media about winter, you start getting agitated.

What do you hate about winter?

What I like about winter is when it’s over.

All Inclusive Resort Guests & Their Terrible behaviour

In life after the stress of work, school and other life’s commitments in our daily lives, we look for a getaway to an All Inclusive vacation away from reality for a week or two or whatever duration. We get excited to pack up, fly to our destination and start our trip. It gets exciting up to the point where the resort guests start behaving badly, disrespecting the resort staff, showing bad manners, poor etiquette, not being courteous, littering, and showing people how unsanitary they can be.

Some people think, Oh I will never see these fellow guests again and they won’t see me so I can do what I want and act how I want. When it comes time for these people to eat and head toward their a la carte restaurants, snack bars, and the regular dining room buffet, some people start to lose their minds by cutting in front of people waiting to be served, or start touching food with their hands and handling them by putting it on their plates when they see there are utensils to pick them up with, or you see people eating food before sitting down.

You also see those people who fill their plates up to capacity and then don’t even eat more than half of it, then that food goes to the garbage. People get food more than they can handle it, and then waste it. Then people fill up drinks and only drink about a few sips and then the rest gets wasted too. Some of these guests are so wasteful and its just so unbelievable.

How about those guests who just tend to leave their cups and garbage all over the resort without putting it in proper garbage bins. Yes, I realize people are on vacation and they shouldn’t have to lift a finger, but really its disgusting having to see that from other guests who are pleasant and have manners and etiquette to proper dispose things in the right places.

These same very guests who behave badly and terribly, they are the ones then to write false reviews about the resort and how they felt very sick from the food they ate. Well, GEE, Duhhhh, when people are rooting around the food in the buffet with their germ full and bacteria full of hands and then their germs gets transmitted onto the food, then the next person touches that food and then boom a food borne illness because of another person’s thoughtless and manner less act another person has to suffer the consequences, and then who gets the blame? The All Inclusive Resort does, and then you see the travel reviews bad mouthing a great resort.

I mean come on! There is a common sense and being courteous to others. There are utensils on everything at the buffet, it is there for a reason for guests to use it. I think that all resorts need to have mandatory hand sanitizing stations at all entry and exit points of every restaurant, snack bars, and everywhere. You never know where people’s hands have been.

Then there are those guests whom dirty up the resort so much, it is unbelievable. some of these guests act like slobs. The cleaners of the resort cannot keep up. Give the staff some slack. It is a big resort with a lot of walking and cleaning up. I am sure you do not do this in your own house.

I feel like some of these guests at these resorts are getting worse. It is very disgusting how they act and I have seen it countless amounts of times. Especially in the last 3-4 years.

I always pick up after myself and I dispose my garbage in the proper places. I don’t just leave things and then walk away. That is not how I was raised. I believe that people need to really develop proper etiquette and then come to vacation to these places. It is not right to litter and destroy a resort’s reputation by the actions of guests who behave terribly.

I never believe in traveler reviews, and I never believe in what people tell me about a resort. I will go and judge it for myself. Everyone has their own opinions and the way they see things. I will not read and waste my time on resort review sites online. I know more then 95% of it is a lie, because I go to a lot of resorts and I see what people do and it is not the staff’s fault.

Resort staff work so hard and sweat. I see them running through to make sure things are great. I would like to see guests in their position to have to handle a huge resort and then after being disrespected and yelled at. If the roles were reversed, how would you be feeling after a long day or night?

I am really trying to put into words on why guests do these things? I don’t understand this at all. It is really ridiculous. I just hope that resort chains see this and really implement these changes and add security and health and safety staff especially around restaurants and other places that handle food and drinks. I am just thinking about the safety and security of all guests and I want people to enjoy and yet to think about other people too and not be selfish.

I just want guests to really think about what they do before they do it. I know you are there to relax, have fun, enjoy and all that, but there is a limit and there is a way to act. Just because you are not in a reality setting, it doesn’t mean that you can gallivant and act ridiculously. I just hope people realize that and change their attitudes and respect resort staff and other guests.

That is all for now, but if you would like an Honest opinion and someone who doesn’t lie about reviews, and want travel tips? Please contact me and I will help you. I am honest to everyone and I will not lie about a review that is for sure. What you see and what you read about my travel experiences is what you get.

 

Memories Flamenco Resort – All Inclusive is Beyond Excellent

In November of 2014 after the anticipation and impatiently waiting for my southern destination vacation to Cayo Coco, Cuba from November 27 to December 4, 2014 to Memories Flamenco Beach Resort, I automatically fell in love with it when I saw the pictures and did extensive research about Memories Resorts. From the moment I landed and arrived at Jardines Del Rey Airport in Cayo Coco with Sunwing Airlines, I knew it was going to be an excellent week. I just felt it from Toronto Pearson’s YYZ Airport.

As we had checked into Cuba after the customs/Aduana, We ventured off to the Transgaviota Bus to take us to Memories Flamenco Resort, but before we boarded the bus, our rooms and wristbands for the week was all ready for us and very well organized and prepared. From then on, I fell in love with the resort and the excellent service so far. As we arrived to Memories, we were greeted with a welcome cocktail drink in the front lobby area before getting our baggage and the memories Managers and team leaders greeted us happily with friendly smiles which warmed my heart. They are beautiful people whom I had the pleasure of meeting and spending this beautiful week with, which went by so quickly.

All vacations go by so quickly. The resort was so beautiful, everything, the layout, the convenience and everything was greatly thought of. Everything is close by with the bars, restaurants, lobby, the pool, the beach, and easy access to everywhere which was incredible. The food was delicious, clean and the bartenders, waiters and the cooks worked so hard, quickly and efficiently. The place is so spotless and everything is awesome. I also love how the managers, the resort administration staff, the customer service managers were walking all around the resort to ensure that everybody is having a fabulous time and everything is well taken care of.

I couldn’t believe how fast the bartenders, and waiters were. They were faster than the speed of lightning. I do not know how they have so much energy to do that for so many hours. They work so hard and come to work everyday from Ciego De Avila or Moron cities which they travel an hour and a half each way just to make ends meet. They only make so much in a month, and they are always happy and smiling and with a great attitude. They are so friendly and give great customer service. I appreciate them so much and I thank them. God bless them all and continue to give them energy. It is not easy to take care of so many guests, their requests and everything. It is not easy to tend to so many people at once. I have a tremendous respect for each and everyone of them. I was so observant the whole vacation and I tell you, It was awesome.

Our rooms were spotless, everyday I would get freshly washed towels, mopped floors, the bathroom and beds were super clean with new sheets, as well as my fridge stocked daily with water, cola’s, beer/Cristal cervesa’s, and everyday I’d walk into beautiful decorated towels with flowers on them. I was amazed. Best resort I have been to in all the times I have been to Cuba. This was my 12th trip to Cuba. this was by far the best. The resort was super clean with cleaners and housekeepers working around the clock to upkeep the resort. The public washrooms were spotless, the staff presence 24 hours a day was comforting as well.

There are some points though that need to be improved, but its just the beach area needs a little work, which I am told that it is still under construction because its a new resort of over 4 years old and they will be completing it within the year and then just the lighting around the walk ways and the pool area so people will not slip and fall, but no other issues… They will be working on all of that which I heard.

I made new friends from parts of Ontario and Quebec also from the UK, and partied at the disco, got to enjoy the snack bar and all the restaurants, the a la carte restaurants which I booked from the first day and got to enjoy the whole resort. A week sometimes is not enough. 2 weeks is the best way to really enjoy it all thoroughly without rushing to do everything all in one week. Time permitting and it depends on a person’s personal budget and finances and convenience of course. it all depends on your preference.

The entertainment, disco, the nightly shows and audience participation was excellent, there is a Cuban night where people learn about Cuba and then the entertainers give us traditional Cuban dances and give us a crash course on Cuban culture and history.

Everything else is excellent and excellent does not even describe this beautiful resort. Unfortunately when it came time to the last day to leave the warm tropical weather, 3 bus loads of people who were on our flight back to Toronto, The resort manager and other managers greeted us farewell by putting on their memories resorts theme song and gave us a speech before we took off to the airport which left an unforgettable and long lasting impression on my family and I. I cannot wait until I return back to Cuba and to Memories. I am impatiently waiting until my next voyage. I give this resort a 6 star. Not a 4 and a half to 5 stars. Thank you Memories Flamenco resort staff. You all put the most beautiful touch to an awesome and lovely week in warm weather and so much more.

Thank you for giving us memories to cherish for the rest of our lives.

Do you go on all inclusive resorts? Do you travel to sunny destinations for a getaway to relax and enjoy the hot weather? What resort have you been to? Did you enjoy it as much as I did? Would love to hear your stories.

Delicious Recipes to Come Soon! Stay Tuned…

Hello everyone, I am excited to introduce to you recipes that I have come up with on my own, experimenting with different flavours in Marinating chicken, pork, and all those things, and so much more. I am really excited to be sharing my recipes to come soon within the next couple of weeks and they are recipes that you could try for yourself too and for your family. I recently discovered chicken, beef, vegetable bouillon cubes and they are so delicious. I get the ones with the less sodium content inside and I add that to the food I am making to give it a kick in taste. I love to cook, and I love to come up with new things. not the same old stuff all the time. I enjoy spending time in the kitchen and whether its baking, cooking, cleaning the kitchen, efficient ways of cooking, baking, and always keeping the kitchen clean while I cook, washing the dishes and things after using while cooking, so that I do not spend more time cleaning and washing at the end. I like to keep things tidy and the counters cleaned off instantly. All those things will be discussed and written when I introduce to you my new food recipes and more efficient ways to lessen the dish washing and more with entertaining guests, with quantity of food to make and so much more….

Stay tuned!

 

 

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking. How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready-made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready-made products. Sometimes you see ready-made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra-large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love the presentation. Even if it’s just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love the presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!

A Clean House Is A Happy Talin – I Love Cooking & Cleaning

For several years now since I was a little kid, I have always had this eye for organization, wanting to learn new things, cooking, and how to clean efficiently and among everything else. I learned how to cook since I was 8 years old, and I started to clean and tidy up when I was 4 years old. My mom and dad always taught me the importance of cleanliness, organization and neatness so that when I want to look for something it will be easy to find when things are organized and neat. Now that I am almost 28 years old 7 days from now, All those skills and things I experienced is something that my mom tells me that you clean better than I do now, and your always finding new things to do in the house, how to organize, and everything better than I do. I said I only learned from the best and when I have my own home one day, you will be happy with what I am going to do with it. My mom has looked after me all these years for the past so many years now I keep telling my mom to relax and put her feet up, I will do the cooking and stuff. I love to cook a lot. It takes a lot of my stress out and I enjoy doing these things, and looking after the house. I find complete joy when I do. My parents really appreciate all that I do and to make sure the house is in tip top shape.

Every person we have who come over, they say this place is so spotless and so clean. Everything is well maintained. I said thank you. To me it is important to keep my place clean and tidy and up to date. I like to hear compliments and leave a great impression on family and guests who come over and I don’t like to hear that this persons place is so filthy and they don’t know how to clean a house. I don’t like hearing those things, so I like to maintain my house every 2 or 3 days, but the kitchen area I always maintain everyday, clean out the fridge, and never leave dishes in the sink and I always wash them, dry them and put them away, wash down the counter tops and kitchen table with vinegar and water, and clean my floors with vinegar and water. I don’t use other chemicals for my home. The house does smell like a salad for a couple of hours, but it shines and cleans it right down. Oh happy joy joy. I get so excited when it comes to cleaning. I know you must say this woman is crazy, but it fills my day with joyfulness.

I have so much to do everyday. There aren’t enough hours in the day. I love doing laundry too and the smell of the laundry detergent is so great. I love the smell of it, and folding my laundry after is something I enjoy too. When I put laundry away, I co-ordinate by colour too so as I know what I have and don’t have. I designate a day in the week to do Laundry, to vacuum, to mop the floors, but I usually do all the floor work in one day. I have a central vac in the house so I never sweep my floors anymore. I only vacuum and then I mop after. Its so much easier without dust and stuff going all around with the broom. You just vacuum and its done in less time.

Do you like to clean, cook and do you find joy in doing housework? What does a clean house mean to you?

Would love to hear from you.

Grocery Shopping – A Cool Story

The other day, I had gone Grocery Shopping in the meat produce section of the store and all of a sudden I was just talking to myself on cooking and finding new ways to cook chicken with different spices and herbs and sauces, and all of a sudden there were about 3 or 4 people who are women around me wondering what I was saying and they heard me talk to myself, then they started asking me questions, what do you do to cook chicken? What spices do you use? I said I use different spices and mix them together, then make my own sauce with the ingredients I buy. I said I usually cook chicken with a sweet and sour twist to it, and I make sure that I bathe my chicken in a lot of sauce, marinate it and all that. They said oh wow, that is great. They told me you must be an expert cook and you must do all the cooking in the house. I said, yes I do. I love to cook for my family and I enjoy creating new types of recipes and experimenting with flavours, spices, sauces, herbs, and more. We became instant friends and we took each others contact information and now we are in touch and share with each other our recipes, and soon we will be getting together for coffee to discuss our food preparations and more.

It is so amazing how people cross your path and especially from a grocery store, so Thank goodness I was talking to myself. I thought it was strange talking to myself while grocery shopping, but it was really cool to get my thoughts rolling and enjoying my time shopping. I love grocery shopping and I always look at prices and sales from the flyer.  They are very nice ladies and 2 of them were together shopping, the other one was just alone shopping, and we ended up having a 15-20 minute conversation by the meats about food, and everything. They love watching the food channel and they are avid cookers and love baking too. I am so happy to have found them as we share the same interests. You meet people where you least expect it, and its an ideal place to meet in a grocery store. A lot of people have asked me questions at the grocery store, but this one struck out the most. I wasn’t going to go shopping that day, but then I ended up doing so anyway, so I was glad I did.

So excited to get together with them. probably this coming week. lets see. Has it ever happened to you where you meet people in a grocery store or where you least expect it? Did you make friends with them? Do you enjoy meeting new people all the time? I was really happy with meeting them.

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking. How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love-making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready-made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready-made products. Sometimes you see ready-made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra-large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love the presentation. Even if it’s just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love the presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!

Introducing You An Award Winning Talented Chef – Suman Roy

I would like to introduce you to an award winning and talented chef named Suman Roy. Chef Suman and I met after I joined the WordPress community, where we crossed paths and became friends. Over the years Chef Suman Roy has been on various television programs, news articles and culinary magazines. Chef Suman Roy demonstrates a passion for cooking, and the culinary industry, Chef Suman has also published a book “From Pemmican To Poutine – A Journey Through Canada’s Culinary History,”

Here is a biography and introducing you his life: also can be viewed on http://chefsuman.ca

The Early Years.

From his early days, Chef learned the most valuable lesson from George Bernard Shaw: “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” Though this got him occasionally in a lot of trouble. Chef recalls his early days, when his father would attend the local market every morning, to get the freshest seafood and vegetables. With a few culinary steps, and the addition of a few fresh herbs and spices, these were transformed into a delicious piece of culinary art.  “Chef Suman” as he is popularly known by his apprentices and peers, learned the importance of local, sustainable, healthy cooking from his childhood days from his mother, a very renowned Chef in India.

The Apprentice.

He has apprenticed under the able guidance of many of the World’s most renowned Chefs, in Michelin Star Restaurants, The Leading Hotels of the World, and the World’s finest Kitchens.

The Professional Chef.

During his more than 15 years as a renowned and creative Culinarian, Chef has traveled across the globe with culinary careers across the breadth of four continents.  All of this, and a commitment to his profession has led Chef to his current career as Corporate Executive Chef for Campbell’s Soups, a world leader in their class. was also a Chef of the Athlete’s Village for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics serving up his delicious, healthy and culturally sensitive culinary styles to some 2,600 athletes from 82 nations participating in the games. Chef Suman was nicknamed “Gourmet Alchemist” during his tenure as a Chef on the US Presidential Yacht. Chef is often finds himself confronted with this question; “What makes you different from your colleagues?” he replies Flavours… Flavours… Flavours… “It’s knowing how to marry the rich and varied International Flavours, this is an art, not a trade.”  As an avid Locavore, Chef has become as master at working with local sustainable ingredients, fusing International flavours and creating masterpieces.

The Teacher.

Chef Suman teaches Culinary Art at Centennial College in Toronto.

The Award Winner and Author.

Since 2006 Chef has been trying to find the answer to the question; “What is Canadian Cuisine.”  To his surprise, there has not been a consensus.  So,  he decided to travel around the country trying to define what he calls OUR CANADIAN CUISINE.  After almost 3 years of extensive research, came Chef’s award winning book, “From Pemmican To Poutine – A Journey Through Canada’s Culinary History,” which rightfully summarizes his philosophy: “Using fresh, local and in-season ingredients is the basis of much of my cooking.”  This Literary creation scored Chef two International Recognitions – The Gourmand World Cookbook Award in Paris, France in 2010, and the Cordon D’Or Culinary Academy Award in Florida, United States in 2011. Chef was also recognized by the Premier of Ontario for this magnificent creation. In 2007, Chef was awarded “Hero of Everyday Life” and “CEO’s Marketplace Excellence Award” by Sodexo, and “President’s Award” by The Escoffier Society of Toronto in recognition of his contribution to the Community. In 2008, Chef Suman was invited to be the first Chef member to sit in Toronto Food Policy Council, in recognition of his knowledge and passion towards a Greener Culinary journey. In the same year, Chef became the first Canadian Chef to be invited to visit Singapore by IE Singapore to explore the Singaporean Cuisine.  During this part of Chef’s journey, he brought back many authentic Singaporean flavours to the daily life of Canadians. Chef also visited China, the same year as an ambassador of Canadian Cuisine.

Join his fanpage on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chef-Suman/294167643938185

Join his twitter page — https://twitter.com/Chefsuman

I wish Chef Suman continued success in his culinary career and his devotion and dedication to food and safety and health. Congratulations to him and all his accomplishments. Wishing him the best.

What is Your Coffee Taste? Starbucks, McDonald’s, Tim Horton’s or Other

In the past few years there has been a debate going on with what coffee taste people go for and what they think is a better choice to drink coffee. I am sure those who drink coffee or other beverages at these places such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, Tim Horton’s know what I am talking about when it comes to taste and when it comes to good quality coffee. Someone from the states spent so much money for a cup of coffee from Starbucks, adding so many shots of espresso and so many flavours put into it. I don’t know about you, buck I wouldn’t spend so much money on a cup of coffee. I’d rather go to McDonald’s where you spend way less and you get free refills too. Starbucks is often pricey, and the coffee’s in my opinion are not that spectacular in my opinion. In the end it is all about a person’s preference right? I am not trying to put Starbucks down or anything, but it depends on a persons taste. It takes an acquired taste to differentiate right?

Tim Horton’s coffee and other hot beverages were my favourite, but the cups are not well insulated and I end up burning my hand holding it, McDonald’s cups however have well insulation and the cover cap is also great quality too and you get more at McDonald’s then you do at Tim Horton’s, plus way less and sometimes McDonald’s offers promotions of Free Coffee or Latte’s the small size but then again it is free refill only on the coffee’s though and it tastes so much better then the other ones. Now I don’t know what taste you have when it comes to coffee. I am sure a lot of people have Tassimo, Keurig, and some sort of specialty coffee maker at home.

Now for me, McDonald’s coffee has this incredible and great taste to it and I have never been disappointed with my coffee. At Tim Horton’s sometimes it comes out to be too strong, sometimes just right, sometimes not that great tasting, and they don’t even mix the ingredients properly in the coffee or other flavoured coffees that they make like the French Vanilla, White Hot Chocolate, Cafe Mocha’s, and other beverages, sometimes they get it right, and a lot of times they don’t get it right. I have never had problems with McDonald’s coffee. I don’t know what you like and what your taste is for certain brands of coffee. Do you like making your own coffee at home or do you like to grab a quick coffee from your local coffee shop? Each Coffee shop is different and they all have something good for everybody, but it all comes down to your taste and your preference. Tim Horton’s has this Roll up the rim to win deal where you win a Toyota Rav 4, Barbecue, Food and beverage prizes and other things, but you have a 1 in 6 chances to win, and a lot of them say please play again or all you win is a coffee or donut. It is not fair. Each one should be a winner.

Are there any other coffee shops or cafes around you that you like their coffee? If so, what do you think of it? What is your taste? What is your opinion on a great cup of coffee or other hot beverages served by your favourite brands? It can be a brand where you take home and make it yourself. Not necessarily a coffee shop or cafe. It is all to your liking and your opinion. I’d like to hear from you.

Enjoy your coffee! 🙂

I Am In Love With My KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Since I got my KitchenAid Stand Mixer life has gotten so much simpler with cooking and baking different types of food, and My hands don’t get tired anymore with mixing with a whisk and a hand held food mixer. Now my kitchenaid stand mixer does all the work and it is so beautiful. I have a flashy white one and its an ultra power plus one. Very good quality. Well, even if its an Artisan, Classic, Professional, all of them do a great job in mixing the batter or mixture well. I make all sorts of things into it. I love the wire whip, kneading dough, and all the accessories. my next purchase is going to be the pasta maker accessory and the other ones. Anything else in the kitchen doesn’t quite add up to the kitchenaid stand mixer. Can’t believe all the colours it comes with now. I have seen it at the stores and there is Pink, Orange, Copper Orange, Black, Red, Purple, Tangerine Orange, White, and you can even customize your own kitchen aid stand mixer if you special order it, but why do that when you can buy it at the store instantly right? LOL.. But it all depends on what your preference is, but I love my baby and it is so beautiful. Each household, should have one of these. It is a great tool in the kitchen. If you have one, I am sure you can relate to me and the passion you have for it. I even kiss mine after I use it for good luck for the next time I use it. I love it so much. These kitchenaid mixers are not cheap either. They happen to be a lot of money if they are not on sale. Some are over 500 bucks, some are over 700 bucks, but if you get it on sale its like 250, 300 bucks, but then again they do run expensive because of the high quality and the way it is made. So I can for sure relate as to why it is expensive. This baby is gorgeous. I will be using it today to make my cake. 🙂 I have a lot of things to do today. I will be cooking and baking this week so it will be ready for Christmas. I can’t wait to use it today. I use this baby at least 3 times a week. If you need tips and tricks on how to work it and what speed, just let me know. Depends on what you make.

This would be a great purchase or a gift to your loved ones or someone very special who loves cooking in your family. They would love it. 🙂

Enjoy and have a great Christmas and Happy New Year almost.

🙂

A Delicious Week Ahead For Everyone! Stay Tuned. Many Surprises Coming Your Way

It is with great joy and excitement, that I report to you all today, that starting tomorrow, It will be a very delicious week with so many Armenian and Middle Eastern Authentic Dishes and Recipes. I will show you tricks on how to prepare them, I will be outlining them with key flavours, and among so many other surprises that are headed your way. I have already prepared all the recipes that I will be featuring per day and I just cannot wait to have them posted up. I want to show to the world what we Armenians and Middle Eastern people eat on a regular basis and show to people different types of dishes that many are and have always been interested in. A lot of my readers/fans always wanted to know what we eat and how we prepare things, what we do to entertain our loved ones who come over, among many tasty recipes. Armenians and Middle Eastern dishes have unique types of foods and we carry a wide selection of all kinds of foods to eat from Appetizers, Vegetable Dishes, Meats, Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Desserts, Pastries, and I will be giving you ideas on what to prepare during the upcoming Christmas holidays, and all year round.

In this world, there are so many different types of foods, styles, herbs, spices, and so many ways you can create your masterpiece with ingredients and it is an interesting world of culinary, cooking and baking. It is incredible what you can do with food, how it all comes together, the right texture, taste, and filling our tummies with goodness and a necessity in life that all of us need in life. I cannot wait until I show you all some interesting recipes, ingredients and products needed, the quantity, preparation, notes, and among so many different things. Stay tuned for a delicious and mouth watering week to come. 🙂

Stay Tuned For My Armenian/Middle Eastern Recipe Week Starting December 8 – 15, 2012

Hello everyone, due to popular demand and many people wanting to know about different types of food I eat, prepare and what my ethnic background eats, how it is prepared, what spices, herbs, among specific amounts to everything. I will be featuring an array and variety of Armenian and Middle Eastern foods that a lot of people are interested in. It is coming time to Christmas celebrations and gatherings with the family, and it is timely and it gets people to think about different recipes and create a new masterpiece in everything. So basically I will be writing and posting about different recipes that I have cooked myself, have learned from my family and friends, and basically what we love to eat with appetizers, deserts, dinner, breakfast, lunch, baking different cakes, pastries, salads, finger foods, meatballs, soups, among other delicious types of food. It will be quite exciting to me to share with the world my favourite Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes. So stay tuned and get your taste buds ready for a new world in the culinary world and among everything else. Enjoy and have great Christmas and enjoy the holidays and every other day. 🙂

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking and How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready made products. Sometimes you see ready made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love presentation. Even if its just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!