CANADA. HMSHost has partnered celebrity chef, television host and cookbook author Roger Mooking to open Twist by Roger Mooking at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Located post-security in Terminal 1 by Gate D36, the new restaurant incorporates a “global twist” on locally sourced North American comfort foods. Roger Mooking has focused on increasing the healthy, gluten-free, vegetarian, and sustainable options available to travellers at the airport, with dishes that pack “a powerful punch of flavour”, said HMSHost. Menu items include Splat Scones, made with Devonshire cream, lavender honey, and peameal bacon; and Fried Chicken, made with Japanese spices and Thai-influenced crispy herbs with a lime honey dip.
The official opening of Twist took place yesterday, attended by representatives from the airport, HMSHost, and Roger Mooking. Joining in the ribbon-cutting celebration were guests and travellers who got to sample items on the menu.
“Bringing Twist to Pearson is a dream come true for me. Being in the airport has allowed me to showcase some new and exciting menu items for travellers that will give them a taste of our city’s uniquely diverse culinary scene,” said Roger Mooking. “Working with HMSHost to bring this restaurant to life has been such a great experience and I sincerely hope our guests will love what we have created together.”
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L-R: GTAA Director of Commercial Development & Passenger Communications Mike Ross, GTAA Associate Director of Retail and Food Programs Giovanna Verrilli, GTAA Senior Manager of Food & Beverage Programs Suzanne Merrell, Roger Mooking, HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Amy Dunne, and HMSHost Canada Vice President Neil Thompson at the Twist opening ceremony at Toronto Pearson International Airport |
Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Vice President, Customer and Terminal Services Scott Collier said: “Toronto Pearson has been working with local celebrity chefs over the past few years to create a strong sense of place for our passengers. We are very pleased that Roger Mooking has joined forces with our partner HMSHost to bring to life an exciting culinary experience. Twist by Roger Mooking brings flavour in a big way. He blends fresh, locally sourced ingredients mixed with international flavours, offering a culinary adventure for people flying through Terminal 1.”
In addition to working with HMSHost on Twist, Mooking is consulting on several new dishes and influencing menu enhancements for many of HMSHost’s other restaurants at Toronto Pearson. He is also integrating local suppliers such as Donato Harvest, Kristapsons Salmon, Rowe Farms, Pingue Prosciutto, Sausage King, and Monte Forte Dairy into his menu creations.
“Twist is a restaurant that travellers of all ages and demographics will love from the moment they step inside. Roger has created a menu unlike anything we’ve seen before, and not just for an airport. Travellers will love the use of exotic flavours and spices,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Amy Dunne. “Roger has a dynamic personality and world-class culinary skills, a combination that has made it such a pleasure to work with him on Twist, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”
Roger Mooking 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 Cooking Channel.
