OHI names Gold Awards

King Street Food Company (from left) Peter Tsebelis, Rob Gentile and Gus Giazitzidis.

The Ontario Hostelry Institute (OHI) announced the recipients of its annual Gold Awards in early February.

In the foodservice chain/group operator category, the award goes to Aaron Ciancone and Jeff Crump of Pearle Hospitality (formerly The Landmark Group), which was founded by the Ciancone family in 1936.

Independent restaurateur is awarded to chef Rob Gentile and King Street Food Company for Buca.

Scaramouche co-owner and executive chef Keith Froggett is the 2015 OHI chef of the year.

John Higgins, who previously received the OHI’s chef award in 1999, is being lauded for his work as director of the George Brown College Chef School.

On the supply side, Monforte Dairy’s Ruth Klahsen was named artisan of the year and Gordon Food Service president Dean Noble is being awarded supplier of the year.

Hotelier of the year goes to Robert Housez, general manager of the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre for his work with the Greater Toronto Hotel Association.

Claudia Bianci, food stylist and Food Network Canada culinary producer, was picked in the media category.

The Chairman’s OHI 2015 Lifetime Achievement Gold Awards will be awarded to the Kostuch Media president Mitch Kostuch (posthumously); John Rothschild, vice-chair of Cara Operations; and Sir Corp. chairman Grey Sissons.

The OHI Gold Awards Dinner will be held on April 23.