Roger Mooking will be bringing his culinary creations to Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) thanks to a partnership with HMSHost Corp.
The celebrity chef, television host and cookbook author will open Twist in the third quarter and is also consulting on new dishes and influencing menu enhancements for many of the company’s other restaurants at the airport.
Mooking will be developing signature dishes from scratch recipes and is helping to increase healthy, gluten-free, vegetarian and sustainable options; he also will integrate local suppliers into his menu creations.
“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 travelers an authentic Toronto dining experience,” says 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 travelers.”
Twist will offer a “global twist” on locally sourced North American comfort foods, with items such as Splat Scones, made with Devonshire cream, lavender honey, and peameal bacon; and the Roasted Cornish Hen, with Moroccan spice rub, charred lemon and arugula.
“This partnership with HMSHost has been an exciting opportunity to expose Pearson travelers to my culinary inspirations with these latest dishes,” Mooking says. “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.”
He also has helped to enrich the menus at HMSHost restaurants Molson Pub, Red Rocket and Playwright to include special “Roger Mooking signature” menu items.
“Roger Mooking’s dishes and culinary influence are a perfect addition to our dining offerings at Pearson,” says 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.”
Mooking his host and co-creator of the television series “Everyday Exotic” and has published a cookbook based on the show. He also co-hosts “Heat Seekers” on Food Network and hosts “Man Fire Food” on the Cooking Channel.
