Michael Bonacini
Michael Bonacini's passion for good food and wine comes by him naturally. Born and raised in South Wales, Michael's family owned and operated several small hotels, meaning his introduction to the hospitality business began like everyone else's -- peeling potatoes and swabbing floors.
In time he attended chef school in Britain and landed an internship at London's esteemed Dorchester Hotel under the direction of renowned chef, Anton Mosimann. Without a doubt, Mosimann has become the most influential mentor of Michael's career. In the early 80's Michael traveled throughout the U.S. promoting "cuisine naturelle" before moving to Toronto in 1985 to serve as Executive Chef at the Windsor Arms Hotel and Centro Grill & Wine Bar.
In November 1993 Michael joined partnership with restaurateur Peter Oliver to open Jump Café & Bar - a fresh new concept based on a New York-style bistro. Jump's success among Toronto's downtown financial crowd was practically instantaneous. Within months, The Globe and Mail had named Jump one of the best restaurants in the world for business.
In September 1995 the Oliver Bonacini partnership scored again with the opening of Canoe Restaurant & Bar, fifty-four floors high atop the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower. Canoe quickly became known for its outstanding regional Canadian cuisine, as well as its breathtaking views. A favourite among diners and food critics alike, Canoe continues to be one of the most successful restaurants in Canada. Its current list of distinctions includes: #3 Toronto's Top Restaurants, Toronto Life Magazine, #3 Zagat Survey, #1 Patron's Pick.
In 1996, Cara Operations contracted Michael to assist in menu development for Harvey's and Swiss Chalet. His work with Cara led to the introduction of Harvey's Ultra Burger and to the development of a new upscale restaurant café chain, Toast! Also in 1996, Michael was awarded the Ontario Hostelry Institute's Gold Award, as the individual who most significantly impacted the course of culinary excellence in Ontario. Michael was the award's first ever recipient.
In 1997, Michael became partner in Oliver's successful French country restaurant, Auberge du Pommier. A stunningly beautiful restaurant, the Auberge was constructed from the remains of two 1860's cottages and features modern and classic French cuisine.
In the year 2000, Oliver and Bonacini proudly opened the doors to Biff's, a French bistro located just opposite Toronto's Hummingbird Centre. Journalist Jacob Richler described it as "both posh and comfortable, in an easy, sophisticated balance". When it opened, The National Post called Biff's, "Toronto's Next Big Thing". The Globe and Mail said, "Biff's Vaults To The Top of the Bistro Class". Eye Magazine voted Biff's "The Best New Restaurant of the Year 2000" and Toronto Life said, "A star is born!"
In case four busy, successful restaurants wasn’t enough, as of March 5, 2002 a fifth establishment was opened. ‘Steakfrites’ is a neighbourhood bistro with a French-Mediterranean inclination. This warm, comfortable and casual environment - yet still hip and stylish is bound to be a hit with Torontonians.
Outside of the restaurants, Michael mentors several young chefs, sits on the Advisory Board for the Humber College Culinary School and plays advisor to culinary-related programs at George Brown College and the University of Toronto. Michael also "guest chefs" regularly on CityTV's CityLine with Marilyn Dennis.
Michael's charitable endeavours include the Second Harvest's Toronto Taste event and Chefs for UNICEF. Oliver Bonacini Restaurants also supports in excess of 30 local charities annually and raises substantial funds for children's causes through its own charity, the Stephen Leacock Foundation.
Michael and his wife Valerie live in Etobicoke with their son Oscar, where their favourite past time is …entertaining.
OLIVER BONACINI RESTAURANTS include:
CANOE
54TH Floor TD Bank Tower
Toronto, ON
Wellington West of Bay
416-364-0054
JUMP CAFE & BAR
Court Level Commerce Court E
Toronto, ON
Wellington West of Yonge
416-363-3400
AUBERGE DU POMMIER
4150 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
Yonge South of 401
416-222-2220
BIFF'S
4 Front Street E
Toronto, ON
Just E of Yonge
416-860-0086
STEAKFRITES
692 Mount Pleasant Road
Toronto, ON
just south of Eglinton
Telephone: 416-486-0090
Private Dining: 416-364-1211
Fax: 416-486-0716
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