Hello Reader!

I can't believe March is already over. On my last newsletter, I mentioned I was heading out for my first trip of the year.

First trip of the year

I ended up in Berkeley, California!

It was my first time visiting this university town, and I had such an incredible time. It was especially meaningful because my dad actually graduated with his Master's from UC Berkeley. It was awesome to explore where he studied, and I even had him send me some old photos so I could recreate them.

I discovered that Berkeley isn't just an academic hub, but also a diverse culinary destination. I captured its amazing food scene from restaurants to culinary experiences, all while learning from the chefs, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs who make it thrive. The city is also packed with stunning nature and gorgeous architecture.

I put together a full Berkeley travel guide with everything I did on the website.

Shows, screenings and afternoon tea

After getting back from Berkeley, I attended the RC Show. It moved to Mississauga this year after being in Toronto for the longest time. I always go when I am not traveling because it is the best way to check out food innovations and catch up with industry friends. I was also there for a project with Visit Mississauga to ask attendees what they love about the city's food scene.

I also got invited to the Paramount+ red carpet and VIP screening of The Madison at the Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Eglinton. I was amazed by the star-studded cast featuring Kurt Russell, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Patrick J. Adams. I am a massive fan of Patrick from his Suits days, so I was thrilled when he did the introduction before the screening. We watched the first two episodes before the public release while ordering food and drinks right to our seats.

I had a media tasting at the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto for their Gateway to Asia Afternoon Tea. It was a collaboration with Cathay Pacific celebrating Asian heritage, and the savoury courses were dim sum focused. We had king prawn har gow from Hong Kong, mushroom dumplings inspired by Singapore, and Shanghai-style BBQ pork buns alongside their signature scones. The sweets were just as creative with a black sesame cake and a mango tart.

Test drives and pop-ups

I checked out the National Home Show after the afternoon tea. It was my second time attending, with my first time being over fifteen years ago when we bought our condo. While the home stuff didn't catch my eye this time, I ended up test driving a Lexus Hybrid NX. It was my first time driving a Lexus and a hybrid vehicle. The car was incredibly sleek, and I loved how the dashboard projects right onto the windshield so you do not have to look down.

During the test drive, they had a pit stop at a makeshift tea stand by Archi Element. I had never heard of this west downtown tea store before, but I ordered the hojicha and it was fantastic. It tasted so authentic and felt much more special than typical milk tea. Later that day, I checked out the Next Stop Japan pop-up. It was packed, but I managed to sample more matcha and hojicha teas and sit down for a live musical performance by the Hibiki Project.

I grabbed some quick bites around the city. I tried the niku udon at Issai Eatery and loved it, which was a relief as I wasn't a fan of their gyudon previously. I also really enjoyed the piri piri express bowl at Monteiro, a fast-casual Portuguese chicken shop from Montreal.

Massive milestone, crabs and fresh sushi

This month marked what is probably my biggest achievement yet. I am incredibly honored to share that I won Best Food Creator in Canada at the 2026 Confluence Awards on March 26. If you told me back in 2014 when I started Travelling Foodie that I would be doing this full-time and winning a national award, I would have asked how many drinks you had.

I am truly blessed and grateful to my wonderful community for your continued support. The jury included leaders from Western Union, Estée Lauder, IKEA, and Guerlain, so it was a surreal moment when my name was called. The event itself was executed flawlessly with a massive buffet spread with food representing different countries and thoughtful cocktails.

After the awards, it was back-to-back celebrations with friends. We went to the new Taro's Fish location in Woodbine for a massive sushi feast. I ordered the Otoro Don for $35, which was an amazing deal since it was filled with premium otoro sashimi (regular and aburi) and negitoro at market price.

Another friend treated me to a spot literally called I'm A Little Hot Crab! We got a crab set menu with Singaporean chili crab and added lobster with a creamy salted egg sauce. You rarely see legit Singaporean chili crab in Canada, so this really reminded me of my time in Singapore.

My next trip! Know where it is?

Tonight, a friend is treating me to hot pot to celebrate before I head to the airport tomorrow for my second trip of the year.

Here is a hint for where I am going: This city is called the Gem City of the Plains because it had the first electric power plant in the Rockies. Let me know if you can guess it!

My Watchlist

Comedies and sitcoms

• Shrinking season 3
• Ghosts season 5
• Abbott Elementary season 5
• St. Denis Medical season 2
• DMV season 1
• Best Medicine season 1

Dramas and mysteries

• The Madison season 1
• Matlock season 2
• High Potential season 2
• Vanished season 1

Animation and reality

• Invincible season 4
• Canada Shore season 1

How has your March been? Hit reply and let me know. I read every email!

Planning a Trip?

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As always, happy travels and eating!​

Cheers,

Raymond Cua​
​Travelling Foodie & Journey Traveler​

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