Ottawa Foodies

I am an internet junkie with an appetite.

Food to me isn't just about what you put in your mouth -- it's the service and the atmosphere, the care that goes into your meal, and the taste in your mouth (literally and figuratively) when you are leaving an establishment.

I can, and do, prefer to live on a steady Mermaids-esque diet of hors d'œuvre, crusty bread, cured meats, cheeses and fruit. I like my wine effervescent and zingy; tannins make my brain cry. I only very rarely crave sweets, instead I dream of a 1970s-style fondue party.

My favourite TV food person is, without any doubt, Anthony Bourdain. If the world of food was an episode of 90210, he would totally be Dylan McKay. Cue sexy guitar music.

I love to travel and eat, and that extends to our current surroundings as well -- there is no part of the 613 area code to which we will not travel for good food.

The farthest we've ever gone for a meal is a trip to New Brunswick because my husband was craving a real donair.

The most we've ever spent on food was on a decadent evening at a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris...it's quite the story and both my stomach and my bank account will never forget it.

Worst dining experience ever? A small cafe in the 6th arrondissement in Paris. Proof that not all French food is good because it is French. We downed the bottle of wine and booked it to a more favourable cafe down the street.

Best dining experience ever? Gordon Ramsay in London. Consummate experience in terms of service and execution. A truly, truly lovely meal.

Best and Worst in Ottawa? Well, that remains to be reviewed...;)

You can find more from me at www.lifeinthecerealbowl.com .