Brian's Table

09/01/2026

Hey folks: This Friday & Saturday, Ottawa Farm Fresh () in partnership with yours truly are hosting (the first) farm fresh dining experience on site at the farm. How did it come together? Watch and find out about the journey to this point.
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08/28/2026

Video Link: https://youtu.be/2e0kkqPzAEk

My walking tour of the city of Bogota continues!

Join me as I explore the world-famous Gold Museum to the colorful streets of La Candelaria. Along the way we discover Colombia's legendary emerald district, fascinating indigenous history, vibrant street art, local markets, and hidden corners that many visitors never see.

This walking tour isn't just about sightseeing—it's about understanding the history, culture, its indigenous past/present and everyday life that make Bogotá one of South America's most fascinating capitals.

A huge thanks to Felipe and John from Tours Premium Bogota for sharing their local knowledge and making this an unforgettable experience. If you're planning a trip to Colombia or simply love authentic travel experiences, this outfit is for you.

If you enjoyed the video, please like, subscribe and let me know in the comments:

What surprised you most about Bogotá?

Thanks for watching…

Remember

08/21/2026

Video: https://youtu.be/An9C7P_oOPo (Apologies, Meta is blocking my YouTube links).

Did this place remind me of the book "The Davinci Code?" Yes. Yes, it did.

Is St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta the most lavish church in the world? Unlikely (I think the Vatican won that contest), but... From the outside, it looks like a plain, austere military complex built by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565. But step inside, and you'll find over 60 kilograms of real gold leaf, intricate marble tomb floors, and world-famous masterpieces by Caravaggio!

In this tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral, we cover the basics you need to know before visiting this Cathedral. Learn how to skip the line with online tickets, explore the 8 chapels dedicated to the European Langues of the Knights, discover the story behind Caravaggio’s famous 'Beheading of St. John the Baptist', and look inside the Grandmaster's Crypt!

Whether you are traveling to Malta or love history, art, and architecture, this walking tour gives you an inside look at one of Europe's greatest Baroque treasures.

If you enjoyed this travel and history documentary from Valletta, Malta:

👍 LIKE this video if you were blown away by the gold interior!
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Brian's Table for weekly food and travel adventures worldwide!
💬 COMMENT below: Which part amazed you more—the 60kg of gold or Caravaggio's art?

08/19/2026

Don’t Flush This in South America | Travel Tip

Hey folks! Here’s a travel tip that might surprise you — in Argentina and many parts of South America, you don’t flush toilet paper.

Instead, it goes in a bin beside the toilet. And no, it’s not random — there are solid reasons behind it.

A lot of the infrastructure in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador is older and not designed to handle paper waste in the sewage system. Flushing it can lead to blockages and expensive maintenance issues.

By keeping toilet paper out of the system, communities are able to maintain more efficient and affordable water services.

Also, in many parts of the world — from Southern Europe to places like India, Pakistan, and Japan — people rely on bidets or water-based cleaning methods, which are often considered more hygienic.

It might feel unusual at first, but understanding these differences helps you travel smarter — and respect how local systems actually work.

08/18/2026

Argentina Utility Bills Explained 🇦🇷 | Power, Water & Costs in La Cruz

Today I’m looking at something you don’t usually see when traveling — a utility bill in Argentina, and how they actually work in a small town like La Cruz.

What really surprised me here is the community-based system. Utilities like electricity and water are often managed by local cooperatives, not large private companies. In fact, I even saw a worker going door-to-door delivering paper bills — a very different model from what we’re used to in North America.

Breaking down the bill for a two-bedroom, two-bath home with a pool, you’ll find it includes more than just usage:

• Capital reinvestment
• Civil defense fund (infrastructure protection)
• Contributions to local healthcare, including the Eva Perón hospital
• Support for municipal services like policing

And the total? Just over $60 CAD for both water and electricity. Quite reasonable by Western country standards.

It’s a fascinating example of how local governance and shared services can shape cost of living and community life.

In more rural areas, natural gas is still expanding — so many homes rely on propane, which is another factor to consider.

08/14/2026

What is Bogotá, Colombia really like when you step off the standard tourist path?

Join me for an introspective, on-the-ground walking tour across Colombia’s sprawling high-altitude capital—exploring everything from massive urban infrastructure projects to hidden cultural landmarks.

Bogotá is a city of 10 million people sitting at 2,640 metres (8,660 feet) in the Andes mountains. Most tourists stick to two main streets and then venture to other parts of the country —but today, as a former data scientist/economist, I’m stepping into the raw markets, hidden cemeteries, transit corridors, and mountain peaks to see how this city REALLY functions.

In this video, we explore the historic Cementerio Central de Bogotá, navigate bustling hardware and commercial market districts, analyze Bogotá’s world-famous TransMilenio bus system and cycling infrastructure, taste authentic street Arepas, and take the Funicular up to Peak Monserrate (Cerro de Monserrate) that towers above the city for a breathtaking sunset over the city.

Drawing on my background in data science, economics, demography, urban & regional planning and qualitative market research, I break down how local space is organized, how everyday Colombians live, work, and commute, and why stepping outside your comfort zone reveals the true heartbeat of the city and where it's going.

If you enjoyed this raw, authentic look at travel, food, culture, and urban life, please consider hitting the Like button, Subscribing to the channel, and dropping a Comment below with your thoughts on Bogotá!

Thanks again for watching and supporting my channel.

What is Bogotá, Colombia really like when you step off the standard...

08/10/2026

I've been posting content from my trip to Tunisia. While in Tunis, of course I had to stop in the Central Market (which was walking distance from my hotel). Of course it was wildly interesting and I saw familiar produce in their local form and a whole host of items I never saw before.

08/09/2026

For years, I have dreamed of doing dinners like these. And this is an announcement I am happy to share!

We are partnering up with Ottawa Farm Fresh (on the east side of the city). From their announcement:

"For years, we talked about creating a farm-to-table dining experience right here on the Farm.

The idea has come up over countless conversations, and we're thrilled to finally make it happen with our new Field to Fork Dinner Series in partnership with Brian's Table.

Brian has been a familiar face at the Farm Store for years, regularly selecting Farm Fresh produce for his thoughtfully crafted pop-up dinners. As we watched him transform our seasonal harvests into memorable meals, the idea naturally took root: why not bring that experience directly to the Farm?

With five years of hosting and catering private dinners under his belt, Brian knows how to create an unforgettable meal. Together, we're bringing guests out to the Farm for two meals that celebrate great food, good company, and the incredible flavours that come from ingredients harvested at their peak.

Each menu will be inspired by what’s growing in our fields at that very moment, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients just steps from where they were grown. It’s a true celebration of the season and the connection between the land, the food, and the people who share it.

More than anything, these meals are about bringing people together. Guests will gather around a shared table, connect with fellow food lovers, and experience firsthand the journey from field to fork.

What to expect: A four-course meal inspired by the season, served right here on the Farm and hosted by Farmer Jo and Chef Brian.

Ticket details will be announced soon. Seating will be limited, so be sure to keep an eye out for more information."

Stay tuned!

08/07/2026

In this video filmed in late April 2024, I visited one of the most debated and emotional historical sites in Carthage, Tunisia — the Tophet. This ancient Carthage site is often linked to child sacrifice, but the truth might be more complex than it seems.

As I explore the Tophet, we try to visualize what really happened here. Some historians believe the Phoenicians performed sacrifices during times of drought, while others argue this could have been Roman propaganda meant to portray Carthage in a darker light. Standing here, surrounded by burial markers and symbols like the sign of Tanit, it’s hard not to reflect on how much of history is interpretation.

We also look at the archaeological side — from urns containing ashes to the way the site was reorganized in modern times — and how these discoveries continue to shape the narrative. And beyond the history, I take a moment to appreciate Tunisia’s deep connection to the land, from olive trees to figs and pomegranates, all still thriving today.

This isn’t just about what happened — it’s about how we understand the past, and how stories evolve over time.

Thanks for watching!

Ancient Child Sacrifice or Misunderstood History?This is the top ...

07/31/2026

Video: https://youtu.be/cB7VQu4wR3k (Apologies: Meta is blocking links again)

Cuenca is a delightful town south of Quito in Ecuador. While it rarely gets mentioned relative to the country's amazing sites, it should be on your itinerary if you are traveling in the region. Beyond its historical significance, Cuenca is a cultural and food hub as well as a place where North American retirees have flocked to for its perfect weather, safe environment and quality of life.

When we first got there, we were were near a local market and we dazzled by the food selection. So, we immediately booked a FANTASTIC local food tour through the historical streets and central markets of Cuenca, Ecuador! Guided by local expert Edison Juca ( on Instagram) we uncovered the city's culinary secrets, centuries-old traditions, and incredible street food you won't find in typical travel guides.

In this Cuenca food tour, we explore traditional markets, sample Spanish-era secret liquor candies (Mistellas), drink $0.75 herbal anxiety-relieving remedies, eat authentic street Encebollado (rated among the world's best soups), and feast on slow-roasted Hornado pork. Whether you are planning a trip to Ecuador or love authentic Latin American cuisine, this tour shows you what eating like a local in Cuenca is really like!

If you are interested in this tour, give Edison a shout at https://polylepistours.com/ or via WhatsApp at +593 993 557 648 or +593 985 116 721.