This blog is brought to you by High Road’s Maria De Romana and Becky Brescacin:

Here’s some delightful food for thought: A little indulgence in some great-tasting food doesn’t have to be bad for you.

On June 6, Chobani touched down in Toronto for their first-ever Canadian blogger evening — a tasty soiree at the ultra chic The Fifth Terrace that featured a full menu of food choices inspired by – and of course including – the creamy Greek yogurt.

The day may have been grey and rainy, but nothing could keep the Chobaniacs away. Nineteen bloggers joined in on the fun to mix and mingle, meet new friends, and learn a little more about Chobani, which launched in Canada just six months ago.

Everyone was blown away with the delicious menu, complete with 13 canapes that offered something for eveyone: From traditional Greek spanakopita  to Thai style crab cakes and mushroom bruschetta, every bite was eaten with half the guilt as creams, butters and oils were replaced with Chobani’s 0% Greek Yogurt.

The night ended on a sweet note with the ULTIMATE parfait bar: Chocolate chips, candied pecans, berries, dulce de leche and other delicious delights were on hand for bloggers to make their own Chobani creation that showed off their topping style. As mason jars filled the room and created lots of excitement, we made this treat even sweeter (and mobile) by providing lids so bloggers could take a Cho-to-go!

High Road has long been loving Chobani’s great taste, which comes from only natural ingredients of the highest quality. But we especially love seeing others fall in love with it, too!

It’s no secret that American Express Canada is known for creating one-of-a-kind  experiences for its Cardmembers – ranging from Amex Delights, to Front Of The Line access, to other amazing concierge concert and dining opportunities.

This year, however, Amex has decided to shake things up a bit by working with four of Toronto’s top bloggers (Hip Urban Girl, Coco and Cowe, 1 Love T.O., She Does the City), who will act as Ambassadors for the brand in 2012. High Road is really excited to be there every step of the way as the Amex Ambassadors get to experience all the perks and sweet offerings available to Amex Cardmembers, before reporting back about their whirlwind adventures.

First assignment? A weekend away in Canada’s snowy capital, Ottawa, for Winterlude. (After all, the annual winter festival is sponsored by American Express!)

We kicked off Winterlude celebrations with a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Lynn Crawford (of Ruby Eats and Pitchin’ in), before being escorted to a VIP viewing area for a spectacular fireworks display.  Amex and Ottawa sure know how to put on a show: a few people even told us the fireworks that night rivalled those set up for Canada Day!

 

Day two of the Winterlude experience included a visit to the Amex Lounge on the famed Rideau Canal, where bloggers (and Cardmembers) were treated to complimentary gourmet jam, hot chocolate, and a culinary demonstration from Chef Wayne Murphy, of Cite Collegiale’s culinary program. The tasty food and warm beverages set us on our way for a leisurely skate down the canal.

Since Winterlude and Amex are both known for unique dining experiences, it was only fitting that the Amex Ambassadors next attended a Fire and Ice Dinner at the Courtyard Restaurant. We were treated to a five-course dinner, complete with wine pairings, that only featured a true Fire and Ice theme, with dishes like cold-smoked beef short ribs, bourbon BBQ sauce, and ‘charcoal’ liquid nitrogen bread. The “ice breaker” dessert involved peppermint ice cream and eucalyptus inside a chocolate pecan domed torte.

After a fun-filled weekend of winter activities, superb food and great company, the Ambassadors headed home to Toronto to rest up for their next adventure.

High Road continues to be amazed by Amex’s commitment to bringing the best in entertainment and event experiences to its Cardmembers, and the Ambassador program really offers an exciting new partnership that is sure to be a ton of fun to watch!

To follow along, check out the #AmexAmbassador hashtag.