Hello Reader!

It has been a whirlwind of travel the past month. I've been from Quebec to Milan to Costa Rica, with just a few days at home in Toronto in between.

Here's what I've been up to!

The Laurentians, Quebec

I finally published the travel story for my 3-day trip to The Laurentians. It's this massive 22,000-square-kilometre Quebec region just north of Montreal. I explored Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Jerome, and the Lower Laurentians.

I stayed at a historic abbey where a popular cheese originated, drank at a craft beer "temple," dine at Michelin Guide restaurants, met some of the chefs, and even stayed at a Michelin Guide recommended hotel on a mountain.

I also got to walk among the treetops for epic views and race down the mountain on a gravity-powered cart.

Milan, Italy

At the end of September, I flew to Milan. It was my first time in Italy's fashion and financial capital even though I've been to the country before.

The main reason for the trip was to attend The Best Chef Awards for the second time, after going to Dubai for it last year. It was great to see all the chefs, journalists, and industry people I met last time.

This year's event was two nights. The first night had "Area Talks" about how chefs challenge conventions, push creative limits, and also the future of fine dining.

The second night was the big Awards Gala. I was so excited because I finally got to meet the legendary chef Massimo Bottura, who also gave insights on passion and the role of chefs in culinary tourism at the Area Talks event.

I arrived a few days early to explore Milan, and I loved how walkable it was. On one day, I explored with a friend, had lunch at a Michelin-recommended spot, saw the sights, and hit up a local market.

On another day, I walked over 22,000 steps visiting the Piazza del Duomo and eating Risotto alla Milanese con Ossobuco.

I wish I had more time, but I managed to wrap up my trip with one last (and much better!) Risotto alla Milanese before a truly memorable dinner at a Michelin Star restaurant.

Watch the trip recap on Instagram Stories.

Costa Rica

I barely had time to unpack. After only six days back home from Milan, I was off on a fantastic content trip to Costa Rica. This was my first country in Central America!

In just five full days, I visited San Jose, Cartago, Monteverde, and La Fortuna. It was an awesome time filled with cloud forests, volcanoes, hot springs, and tons of amazing food and people.

Pura Vida! Watch the trip recap on Instagram Stories. I can't wait to share the article and video from that trip.

Toronto

Back in Toronto and in-between trips, the events didn't stop.

I attended a Tourism Ireland event to celebrate Halloween. Did you know Halloween actually originated in Ireland? I also tried the Belfast Coffee Cocktail for the first time and I think I like it even more than an Espresso Martini.

Then, I went to a Guadeloupe Islands event at Restaurant Lucie. Air Canada is launching direct flights from Toronto to the islands this winter! We got a taste of French-Caribbean food from Chef Arnaud Bloquel, who I learned used to live in Guadeloupe.

I've also been eating my way through the city, trying Shelby's Shawarma (so flavourful with the hummus, toum and tahini in the wrap!), Rosie's Burger, Upper Beaches Bourbon House, Tarou Don (the sashimi plate was so good with the sauce), AO Sushi, and Burger Factory.

I also had a really interesting lunch at the National Club of Toronto with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. I had visited the club before, but I was only inside the function room and never knew they had a restaurant-bar in the upper floors.

Recipes To Try For A Full Meal

• Appetizer: Chilled Pea Soup with Crab Recipe from a Michelin Guide Restaurant
• Air Fryer: Kofta Kebab - No-Grill Middle Eastern Food
• Ninja Speedi: Meatballs and Gravy – Easy Comfort Food
• Instant Pot: BBQ Pork Ribs - Perfect All The Time
• Drink: Brown Sugar Milk Tea

Media Wins & Other News

• I'm excited to share my second byline in Now Toronto. I wrote about a Toronto Michelin Star chef's journey to The Best Chef Awards.
• Also, huge news: the first-ever Michelin Guide Philippines just came out! I was so happy to see some restaurants I've visited get recognized, like Toyo Eatery and Gallery by Chele, which both got one star.

What I'm Watching

• Abbott Elementary: I tried watching this on my flight back from Costa Rica because I saw Lisa Ann Walter (Chessy from The Parent Trap!) and really enjoyed it. It’s so funny and heartwarming. I’m starting from Season 1, but the new Season 5 is on now.
• The Celebrity Traitors (UK): So excited to see The Traitors UK back! Their celebrity version is so different from the US ones, and I think I like this one better. I only knew three contestants, Stephen Fry, Nick from Ted Lasso, and Charlotte Church, but it’s great.
• The Traitors Canada (Season 3): Also glad to see a new season and at the same time as the UK one, so there are two to watch every week. I really hope I can join one day!
• Amazing Race (Season 38): This is an interesting celebrity season. I don't really know the contestants since they are all US reality show stars, but I'm enjoying it and the all-European destinations are fun to see.
• Matlock (Season 2): The new season is back and still going strong. Kathy Bates is just perfect in this role.
• The Studio (Season 1): Another show I tried on the flight back from Costa Rica, and I got hooked! It was laugh-out-loud funny to the point my seatmate was looking at me. I'm loving the one-take scenes which must be so hard to film and say a lot about the actors. I also liked that they brushed on the topic of AI.
• The Morning Show (Season 4): So glad to see this back! The stories are still so intriguing and engrossing, and the acting is just top-notch. I also loved that they dabbled in the AI topic too, and in a much stronger way than The Studio.
• Ghosts (Season 5): The new season is out and it's just as charming and funny as ever.
• Gen V (Season 2): The season just ended. The story went really fast this season, but I still enjoyed it. I'm so hyped for The Boys Season 5 following this season's finale!

Thank you for being part of my journey! Stay tuned for more adventures and delicious discoveries.

Now, I'd love for you to share your experiences, be it a memorable trip, meal or movie/show you had recently. Just reply to this email.

As always, happy travels and eating!​

Cheers,

Raymond Cua​
​Travelling Foodie & Journey Traveler

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