From left to right: Mike Ross, director of commercial development and passenger communications, GTAA; Giovanna Verrilli, associate director of retail and food programs, GTAA; Suzanne Merrell, senior manager of food and beverage programs, GTAA; Roger Mooking, chef, Twist; Amy Dunne, vice president of business development, HMSHost; Neil Thompson, vice president, Canada, HMSHost
Global restaurateur HMSHost has partnered with celebrity chef Roger Mooking to open the new Twist dining outlet for passengers at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada.
Twist is located in Terminal 1 (T1) of the airport by Gate D36 and is part of HMSHost’s ‘Feeling Good on the Move’ campaign to improve the dining and entertainment options available to passengers.
Speaking at the opening, Mooking said, “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 travelers that will give them a taste of our city’s uniquely diverse culinary scene. 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.”
The new restaurant incorporates a ‘global twist’ on locally sourced North American comfort foods with dishes such as the Splat Scones, made with Devonshire cream, lavender honey, and peameal bacon; and the Fried Chicken, made with Japanese spices and Thai-influenced crispy herbs and served with a lime honey dip.
Scott Collier, vice president of customer and terminal services for Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), the airport operator, 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 flavors, offering a culinary adventure for people flying through T1.”
Mooking is the 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.