TORONTO — The industry gathered last night to celebrate its peers at the annual Ontario Hostelry Institute’s (OHI) Gold Awards Dinner. The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, recognized outstanding contributions to the hospitality and foodservice industry of Ontario.
Eight awards were handed out throughout the evening, including: Foodservice Chain (Aroma Espresso Bar); Independent Restaurateurs (Toby Nemeth and Michael Caballo of Edulis Restaurant); Hoteliers (Drake Hotel Properties); Educator (Paul Finkelstein); Media and Publishing (Rita Demontis); Chef (Alida Solomon of Tutti Matti); Supplier (St. Helen’s Meat Packers Ltd.); and Artisan (Geoff Dillon, Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers).
The 2018 OHI Top 30 Under 30 were also recognized and the spokesperson for the group — Robyn Muise, manager at Canoe — spoke to the hard work and dedication needed to be successful in the industry. “If you’re willing to work hard, you can achieve your dreams,” she told the packed room.
The OHI also named 12 Fellows of the Institute, in recognition of professional achievements, dedication and contributions to the culinary, food and hospitality industry. The recipients included: Steve Beauchesne, co-founder of Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company; Paul Bognar, COO and EVP of SIR Corp.; Christopher Boland, owner of Boland’s Open Kitchen and Bar; Mary Chiarot, VP and GM Canada at Garland Canada; Anna Chartres, regional director Talent and Culture at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel; Don Cleary, president of Marriott Hotels of Canada; Jim Delsnyder, president and CEO of ESKA Inc.; Ryan Donavan, owner of Richmond Station; William Gregson, CEO and president of Cara Operations Ltd.; Larry MacGillvray, SVP Foodservice at Saputo; Hani Roustom, GM at the Hazelton Hotel Toronto; and Emma Waverman, writer, blogger, author and food columnist at CBC Radio One.
The always popular live auction, balloon burst, raffle and silent auction once again raised money to provide scholarships for students studying hospitality and tourism at Ontario colleges and universities.
