TORONTO — Global restaurateur HMSHost has partnered with celebrity chef, television host and cookbook author Roger Mooking to bring Toronto Pearson travellers a taste of some of the best dining this diverse city has to offer. In addition to working with HMSHost on the new restaurant, Twist, announced in late 2013 and scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2014, Roger is consulting on several new dishes and influencing menu enhancements for many of HMSHost’s other restaurants at the airport.
Roger is bringing his culinary flair with local ingredients and products, as he develops signature dishes from scratch recipes, and enhances the offerings of several menus with new flavors. He is helping to increase healthy, gluten free, vegetarian and sustainable options. In addition, he is integrating local suppliers into his menu creations, such as Donato, Kristapsons, Rowe Farms, Pingue Prosciutto, Sausage King, and Monte Forte Dairy.
“This partnership with HMSHost has been an exciting opportunity to expose Pearson travellers to my culinary inspirations with these latest dishes,” said Chef Roger Mooking. “Together, we are bringing in some great local ingredients and working towards more sustainable, healthy and unique offerings that we are confident will appeal to our guests.”
“We are so excited that Roger is joining us to bring his culinary expertise and creative dishes to our restaurants, so we together can offer travellers an authentic Toronto dining experience,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Renee Tedesco. “His partnerships with local suppliers and sustainable organizations will also help to strengthen our offerings together, and his innovative approach to food will reflect the diversity of our travellers.”
So far, Roger has helped to enrich menus at HMSHost’s restaurants including Molson Pub, Red Rocket, and Playwright, to include special “Roger Mooking signature” menu items.
Twist, HMSHost’s new restaurant coming soon to Pearson in partnership with Roger, will present travellers with a “global twist” on locally sourced North American comfort foods, with menu items created by Roger such as Splat Scones, made with Devonshire cream, lavender honey, and peameal bacon; and the Roasted Cornish Hen—Moroccan spice rub, charred lemon and arugula.
“Roger Mooking’s dishes and culinary influence are a perfect addition to our dining offerings at Pearson,” said Janine Gervais, Associate Director Retail and Food Programs with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Roger has helped put Toronto on the map as a dining destination, and we’re excited that HMSHost will be bringing his expertise and creativity into the airport.”
Roger is host and co-creator of the internationally broadcast television series Everyday Exotic, and has published an award-winning cookbook based on the show. He is also co-host of Heat Seekers on Food Network and host of Man Fire Food on the Cooking Channel. Roger has amassed multiple accolades such as The Maverick Chef Award and Premiers Award, as well as numerous “Best Of” lists. His extraordinary culinary talent has also secured him a spot as a recurring judge on Chopped Canada, and led to appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Marilyn Denis Show, Top Chef Canada and Iron Chef, as well as food and wine shows globally. Roger appeared at the upcoming CRFA Show March 4th, demonstrating a Blackened Tomahawk Steak with Root Beer marinade, a dish on Twist’s upcoming menu.
About HMSHost
Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.7 billion and employs more than 30,000 sales associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. With sales of over €6 billion in 2012, the Group operates in 38 countries and employs some 63,000 people. It manages approximately 5,300 stores in approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.