Mary Luz Mejia

Ever been on vacation and tasted something so incredible that it literally made you stop and savour for one exquisite moment?
If you’re a fan of fine, bean-to-bar chocolate and haven’t had one of these all-senses-on experiences, it’s time you did! As a Level III International Institute of Cacao and Chocolate Tasting certified chocolate taster, I’ve travelled and tasted far and wide to bring you some of the best fine chocolate available in Canada and beyond.

Canada’s artisan chocolate makers are joining the bean-to-bar movement toward a more ethically produced and ultimately better tasting final product.
Artisan chocolate-makers David Castellan and Cynthia Leung have been at the forefront of Canada's bean-to-bar movement since 2003. Their original factory shop in Toronto's Distillery District is a brick-and-beam beauty housed in a former whisky distillery. Its industrial, old-world charm includes harvest tables laden with chocolate-tumbled nuts a...

Harness the super-food powers of dark chocolate for a delicious way to boost your immune system. Scroll down for a recipe to make an immune-boosting cup of hot chocolate.
As a Certified Chocolate Taster and educator, I've learned about the finer points of chocolate, including how to boost the immune system.

A look at Northern Italian fine chocolate makers based on my level III International Institute of Cacao and Chocolate Tasting course and onsite visits to Guido Castagna and Pia Rivera's factories in Milan and Turin respectively.

I was a guest on Culinary Chronicles, hosted by Lisa Sanguedolce, the owner and founder of Le Dolci Culinary Classroom and Juli's Cookie Company.

My Ep 004 | Chocolate Tales and Tasting Notes with Mary Luz Mejia

In this episode, Lisa talks with Colombian-born, Canadian-raised Mary Luz Mejia - a twice NATJA travel journalist and Level III chocolate taster.

Los Angeles is a popular port of call for many reasons: the awesome food, stunning vistas and, of course, the glitz and glamour that pulses through the city. That said, there's so much more to experience when you cruise to and from Los Angeles. For starters, cast your eyes out into the great blue sea and seize the opportunity for some water-bound adventures in the LA area, and further down the coast where the most epic Baja fishing trips await.
Get Ready to Reel 'Em In!
When you think of fish...

Sustainable culinary travel in Spain- from haciendas that produce biodynamic wine, cheese and restaurant fare, to cheese makers who have kept generations' old traditions alive.

For most, Milan conjures images of high fashion, high finance, and the white, sculpted spires of the city’s duomo. Nearby Turin is known for Fiats, the shroud, and the fevered frenzy of rivaling soccer teams. But for me, a certified chocolate connoisseur, and Mario, a sommelier in training, these cities and their surrounding countryside offer much more than designer clothes and cars. They offer a taste of terroir in the form of the world’s best chocolate, exquisite Italian bubbly (spoiler alert, it’s not Prosecco)...

Sunseekers yearning for respite in warmer climes have one thing to consider: What kind of break do you need? Are you looking to laze on the beach all day, or do you want to enjoy a more active jungle tour? Fortunately, for the indecisive, you can have both! Tropical destinations are perfect for adventure traveling followed by a beach-bound mojito. As you dream up your next tropical vacation, here are the must-have jungle adventures.
1. Jungle Tour Through Costa Rica
For an epic Costa Rican ju...

A look at some of Oaxaca and surrounding valleys most beloved artisanal crafts from alebrijes to mezcal. Starting on page 32-35

The best way to bond with your daughter on vacation? A mother daughter day at sea, where you can take part in adrenaline-pumping activities or relax in royal comfort. The world onboard is your oyster.

Written for the series “Raising Them Right” that offers up useful tricks and tips for navigating the challenges of parenthood. New parents can struggle to find the time to soak in the magic of having little ones. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the early years.

Toronto’s Harbord Village recently welcomed Parquet, a 50-seat French restaurant with warm-toned leather seats, mirror- and wood-lined walls, a black-veined white-marble bar, and a menu that incorporates local products and produce in dishes that riff on those you might find in a cozy bistro in the 14th arrondissement.

Cruise Out of Texas from Galveston and Taste the Top Places to Eat
When it comes to the best restaurants in Galveston, it should be noted that some of the city and state's iconic favorites actually originated elsewhere. Some recipes, tweaked to suit Texan tastes, came to Galveston and beyond about 200 years ago!

Toronto is the first North American city to welcome Florence’s Ditta Artigianale. High design and top-notch coffee are staples at the street-level café, recently opened in the Harlowe condo building on Richmond Street West. Step into the 40-seat space, and it feels like you’ve been transported straight to Florence.
Ditta Artigianale was founded in 2013 by renowned barista, roaster, and champion coffee taster Francesco Sanapo and entrepreneur Patrick Hoffer, who now want Torontonians to take a...