All You Foodies: Ontario's Lake Country Is For You! #OLC #LetsGoMaple

Savour the Flavours of Orillia, Ontario's and Ontario's Lake Country.

Disclosure: I was invited to join a group of bloggers and influencers for a 2 day/3 night getaway to the Ontario's Lakes Country to sample some of the many and wonderful activities, attractions, and eateries this area has to offer. Special thanks to Julie and Stacey of SJ Consulting for organizing and hosting this fabulous experience, and the sponsors for providing an exceptional experience to share with my readers. 

Supreme Cuisine was the Order of the Day(s):
You'll find no shortage of cuisine options at every price point in Ontario's Lake Country. I had the pleasure of sampling seven different eateries, participate in a local craft beer demonstration, a pizza making demonstration, a cooking with chocolate demonstration, Apres Ski with hot chocolates and DIY S'mores, AND nightly sweet treats delivered to my room. Each taste experience was different and delightful in its own way. Our visit coincided with the beginning of Tap into Maple that celebrates and showcases the area's tradition of producing maple syrup. Some producers like the Shaws have been tapping maples for more than a 100 years. 

St Germain's (at CasinoRama) served our group a mouth watering meal, that from appetizer to dessert was both delicious and beautifully presented. Keeping with the maple theme many of the dishes were infused with the flavour of maple, including the Maple Braised Ribs. The chefs and kitchen staff at St Germain's create visually beautiful dishes that are a feast for your eyes and your taste buds, including selections of AAA Alberta beef, lobster, sea bass, and salmon. It also boasts an award winning wine list, an awarding winning pastry chef, and top notch service and wait staff.  

Shaw's Maple Syrup Bush treated our group to a breakfast of maple tea, pancakes, maple beans, and sausages served with maple syrup produced from the 4000 trees they own and tap each year. (Pancakes are served from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm daily during the season.) Five generations of Shaws have been producing maple syrup and tapping maples since 1904. During Maple Tapping season walking trails are open, as well as horse drawn wagon rides on weekends. I think you'll find the experience to be both delicious, educational and a perfect family activity. 

Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill at Horseshoe Resort served us a delicious lunch that was much appreciated after the appetite we built up from Fat Biking, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, and Tubing. After lunch we enjoyed some Apres Ski time making S'mores, and sipping hot chocolate. Not only was the lunch scrumptious the service was great. 

Rustica Pizza Vino (in Orillia) created an exceptional dinner adventure which included a Pizza Making Demonstration about the pizza oven, dough, and pizza making, and a demonstration from Horseshoe Valley Brewing Company. I personally sampled at least 4 kinds of pizza and would recommend all of them. The salad with pears and Gorgonzola was to die for. And it seems I do drink beer after all. Much thanks HSV Brew Co for helping me see the light. 

Photo courtesy of Julie (Try Small Things)

Room Service (at CasinoRama) was such a treat. I had a wonderful bacon and eggs breakfast with fancy Rye bread delivered right to my door. Good thing since I basically refused to get out of bed. 

The Weirs Restaurant (at CasinoRama) serves a Greek Salad that's a salad lover's dream, but Shannon better keep an eye on her Beet Salad because it definitely look worthy of risking the consequences of a grab and dash. Our server was both engaging and efficient, just the way I like it. 

The Grape and Olive Wine & Martini Bistro (in Orillia) delighted our group with a selection of dining options created by award winning Chef Derek Mayes. I chose the pasta, but it was a tough choice between that and the chicken. The salad was a work of art, and the apple crisp dessert tasted like home. To complete our dining experience the group was treated to a sweet cooking with chocolate demonstration by the pastry chef.

Sweet Treats courtesy of CasinoRama:
Each night we were treated to a delivery of delectable sweet treats. Talk about being spoiled!  

More sweetness courtesy of Julie from Try Small Things baked us #LetsGoMaple cookies, and they were delicious! Be sure to check out Julie's #LetsGoMaple post about her experience.

Salad Summary: Being a salad lover it seems only right to share my #LetGoMaple salad experience.

Once again I would like to thank our #LetsGoMaple hosts and sponsors for making this such a memorable experience. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of activities, attractions, things to do, and places to eat in Orillia and Ontario's Lake Country. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about good eats and sweet treats. 

WOW! Is how I was made to feel at #LetsGoRama at @CasinoRamaLive

They said "LetsGoRama"

I said "I'd love to!"

You're invited ...
I was lucky enough to received an invite from SJ Consulting to the #LetsGoRama Retreat held at the Casino Rama Resort in Orillia, Ontario. I had heard good things about both the resort and the shows hosted there, so I was excited for the opportunity check it out for myself. Located just under 2 hours from Toronto and 5 hours from Ottawa it's ideal for a getaway.

You know what they say about making assumptions ...
I'll admit not being much of a gamer I had never really considered a Casino as a vacation destination. I was wrong in making that assumption. Turns out it's a perfect destination for a retreat, couples getaway, girls weekend, family vacation or to hold an event. 

Bonding with my "Evil Offspring" ...
With two kids that are of legal age to drink and go into the casino or attend a show, it's a great destination for some Mother and Son bonding time! (I suppose Hubby can come too!). The free Wi-Fi and food options don't hurt one bit either. With Thing 2 headed off to university, and Thing 1 busy with college it would be a perfect reading week getaway to reconnect with my kids! 

Think, think, think ...
I'm trying to think if there was even one moment when I felt a staff member's service wasn't outstanding and welcoming. I can think of none. The surroundings and the rooms were beautiful. But in my opinion that should go without saying at a luxury resort. What is not guaranteed even at a luxury resort, is an experience and feeling that goes beyond just being polite and efficient. Everyone was just so darn nice, and appeared to not only enjoy their job, but actually care about my stay and experience. You could see the pride they took in their work and the resort, and they were happy to be there. 

A sweet Suite for me ...
All the rooms at Casino Rama are suites. My suite was beautiful and spacious and perfectly designed for "me time" with a flat screen TV, Cable, Movies on Demand and a cozy sitting area with fireplace. The bathroom was truly beautiful, but more important the bed was so comfortable. I felt like Goldilocks who had just found the bed that was just right. After long days of engaging, connecting and learning at #LetGoRama a good night's sleep left me refreshed and ready for the next day. 
I took advantage of the option of having a fridge delivered to my room, a feature I love, and was happy to see Casino Rama had free Wi-Fi. Since it's a must for a blogger, and mother of teens, it's something I specifically look for when booking a hotel or resort. 

What to do? What to do? ...
There is plenty to keep everyone well fed and entertained at Casino Rama.
Everyone's gotta eat ...
You have 8 Restaurants and Room Service to choose from. I'm stilling dreaming of the Tacos from St Germain's. Be sure to ask about how it got it's name when you're there. The buffet at the Couchiching Court Buffet was delicious with lots of variety and options. I was busy focusing on perogies but heard from several attendees that the Mac & Cheese was to die for! Lunch at the Simcoe Yard House was truly outstanding! And the catered meals were both delicious and beautifully presented works of art. 

Pool and Spa time: A-U-M ...
The Balance in Life Spa offers a full range of services, treatments and packages to relax the mind body and soul. I saw many beautiful post-spa toes, and truly regret not booking myself a pedicure or a relaxation massage. It will be top of my list on my next visit, because I'm Worth It! Next to the spa you'll find a pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, gym, and a truly lovely outdoor roof-top patio.

Not a bad seat in the house ...
Casino Rama's Entertainment Centre hosts a variety of events and live shows year round. I had the privilege of a behind the scenes tour of the Entertainment Centre, and was delighted to discover there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Back stage and in the dressing rooms the walls are covered with photos of iconic entertainers who've performed at Casino Rama. I was truly blown away by all those who have taken centre stage, I had no idea, and this year's line-up is impressive! 

Art here and there and everywhere ...
Everywhere you go in the resort you will encounter art that tells the story and proud heritage of the Rama First Nation. A walk-about to take in all the beauty is a must, and be sure to look up!

My sense of WOW ...

Each day my sense of WOW increased. I waited for something or someone to taint the experience. No matter where I went or who I interacted with, from the front desk to the cashier on the casino floor the service was outstanding. I look forward to my next visit, and I can assure you there will be a next time! Thanks so much for the invite Julie and Stacey and to Casino Rama for my fabulous accommodations! 

Yep just me Cathy thinking out loud about WOW. 

Note: I was invited by SJ Consulting to attend #LetsGORama Retreat at Casino Rama Resort free of cost. My sense of WOW and all opinions are my own.