TWIST by Roger Mooking; a world where culinary art and science intertwine

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Fried Chicken with Honey Lime Mayonnaise and Crispy Basil

Mushroom And Roasted Garlic Toast: Mushroom Medley, Roasted Garlic, Sourdough Bread, Paprika Mayo, Parmesan Cheese

Hummus: Masala Chicken, Grilled Pita Bread, Pomegranate, Evoo

Creamy Lemon Linguine: Bacon, Parmesan, Chives, Sumac

Do I have your mouth watering yet? Mine sure was on November 11^th, 2024, when the team at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to TWIST to experience Chef Roger Mooking’s new holiday menu. As I walked in, the sound of soft jazz, and 90’s R & B music filled the air mixed with clinking silverware, and hushed conversations.

TWIST is a sleek, modern restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The walls are adorned with playful typography, phrases. The tables are rustic wood, and the chairs are a mix of modern and vintage. Soft, natural light streams in through large windows.

The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the words. They were everywhere – splashed across the walls, etched into the menu. It was as if the very air was infused with language, a testament to the creative mind behind this culinary haven.

I approached a table, sat down, and opened a menu. As I was doing this I glanced around the restaurant, taking in the details. The decor was equally captivating. Every element. I later learned that every single detail was the brainchild of Chef Roger Mooking himself. It was as if he’d poured his soul into every inch of this space. What he has done in this creative culinary space is create a menu that is focused on comfort foods with a global twist. Everything is prepared from scratch with the freshest ingredients.

Roger Mooking is a globally recognized, Trinidadian born, Canadian raised talent that creates immersive experiences in the arts.  As a: celebrity chef, restaurateur, television host, author, and award-winning recording artist Roger Mooking has earned an international reputation as a multi-media artist and entertainer showcasing a globally inspired vision that reflects his rich family heritage, love for people and travel.

Chef Mooking is best known as the host of the internationally celebrated grilling and barbecue show “Man Fire Food” on Warner/Discovery Networks. The popular travelling food series showcases a dynamic range of live fire cooking. As if he didn’t already have a full plate, Roger is also the host of “Greatest of America” on Travel Channel, the host and co-creator of the internationally broadcast television series “Everyday Exotic,” and co-host of “Heat Seekers” on Food Network alongside chef Aarón Sanchez. In addition, Roger hosts “Man’s Greatest Food” where he sets out on a culinary odyssey around the USA seeking “Man’s Greatest Food.”

Throughout the years Chef Mooking has opened and consulted on many food and beverage operations including Twist by Roger Mooking, located at award-winning Toronto Pearson International Airport.

As I sat and broke bread with Chef Mooking, I was intrigued by his straightforwardness, and authenticity. Speaking to a creative genius in the culinary world was a truly enlightening experience. His passion for food was palpable, his words a symphony of flavors and scientific precision. He spoke with a reverence for the craft, a deep understanding that cooking is not just about sustenance, but an art form that can evoke emotions and connect people across cultures.

His words painted a vivid picture of a world where art and science intertwine, where experimentation and innovation are the driving forces behind culinary masterpieces. He spoke of the meticulous balance of ingredients, the careful orchestration of flavors, and the pursuit of perfection in every dish.

His philosophy resonated with me, reminding me that the true essence of creativity lies in the pursuit of knowledge and the relentless drive to push boundaries. He inspired me to view food not just as nourishment, but as a vehicle for expression, a medium through which we can share our stories and connect with others on a profound level.

I was gifted with his book “Curious Sounds,” A dialogue between two artists across various mediums. Curious Sounds uses Mooking’s most recent album, SoundBites, as scaffolding for the artists’ conversations on creativity, Blackness, family, grief, and more. Composed of Ekwuyasi’s essays reflecting on artmaking, storytelling, and creative expression and Mooking’s: multimedia visual art, micro stories, music, and lyrics, this book is a collage of ideas about making meaning through life’s rhythms.

It is arranged in three parts, which mirror the arc of a life: the Learning, the Living, and the Leaving. The book is an interactive collection of fleeting moments and visuals that explore the beauty in chaos.

The menu at TWIST was a culinary adventure. From breakfast to dinner, everything was made from scratch, using the freshest ingredients. It’s not just the food that makes this experience unforgettable. It’s the atmosphere, the camaraderie, the shared joy of breaking bread with fellow food enthusiasts and doing this while traveling. As I savoured each bite, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for this extraordinary culinary adventure. It is clear that Roger Mooking is passionate about creating dishes that are both delicious and innovative. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy his innovative flavors and meet Chef Roger Mooking. There is so much more to tell, so stay tuned for a follow up feature.