Growing up I thought “seasoning” came from cheese sauce, gravy, salt, pepper and butter. I thought bread came from a bag, and jam came from a jar. I just didn’t know!
Fast forward 20 years. Love took me into a world of #gardentotable, canning, European flavours, cooking from scratch and aromas simmering on the stove of garlic, peppers, onions and pimento sauce. This was the start of my food curiosity.
Now, fast forward another 20 years and here I am creating my niche in culinary tourism. From my global food touring experiences, I built an idea in my mind about bringing people together through food, in small town Ontario. And by golly, with persistence, passion, and working with incredible people, Tasty Road Trips was born… and continues to flourish in new directions of community success today.
Nine years later, I’ve had the absolute joy of growing Tasty Road Trips into something bigger than I ever imagined, bringing people together to experience culinary tourism across Southern Ontario for over half a decade. What started as a simple idea has turned into shared tables, new friendships, and unforgettable food experiences in small towns with big, bold, beautiful tastes.
In September of 2019, Tasty Road Trips won the Community Influencer Award at the Salute to Brant Business Awards. It was a proud day when a global idea gone small town was recognized and celebrated.
Today, my love for food and travel has expanded even further. As a licensed travel advisor, I now design and host curated tours around the world, blending culinary experiences, culture, and group travel into thoughtfully planned adventures. Whether it’s exploring local markets, tasting regional dishes, cycling through scenic routes, or simply connecting over a great meal, my focus has always stayed the same: bringing people together through meaningful experiences.
Alongside this, I also run The Influence Co., where I work with tourism boards, brands, and businesses on marketing, storytelling, and experience design, helping others share their own unique offerings with the world.
Come tour with us & explore like a local. Cheers, Spicy Jan 🌶️
Looking for Jan as a tourism consultant or for tourism product development in your community?
