~ GORDON MACKIE, executive chef ~

A self-proclaimed "student of food", Chef Gordon Mackie began pursuing his life's passion at an age when most young boys are happy to be playing hockey and football. At age 12, young Gordon was already enrolled in culinary classes at Niagara College. "All my brothers played hockey," says Gordon. "Grimsby is a pretty big hockey town. But I just wasn't into sports. What I really wanted to do was cook - so my dad, who also owns a catering company, complied with my wishes and really the rest is history."

Born and raised in Grimsby, Ontario, and classically trained at George Brown College, Gordon Mackie made his debut on the dining scene at the Windsor Arms under the direction of Michael Bonacini and Marc Thuet. Next was The Founder's Club with Jamie Kennedy, followed by stints in London, England at The Belford Club, Vong, Michelin Star recipient The Four Seasons Hotel and the Petersham Hotel. He returned to Toronto to work at the Sutton Place Hotel, and then as Executive Chef at Biff's and Chef de Cuisine at Canoe.. Gordon joined Far Niente as Executive Chef in 2004.

Gordon's light, modern and creative style is exemplified in his repertoire of updated classics and new innovations. His menu at Far Niente reflects the breadth and intensity of his experience in some of the finest kitchens in the world, under such iconic chefs as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Gordon Ramsay, Anton Mosimann, and Marco Pierre Whites.

Chef Mackie adheres to a product-driven way of nouvelle cooking pulling all the elements together to create an updated contemporary New World-inspired cuisine. He thinks great food should be simply prepared, should be savoured, and should be a memorable experience. An avid traveler, Mackie selects techniques and products discovered throughout his travels to France, Italy, Spain, the United States, China, Israel, and Canada, and incorporates them into his cooking at Far Niente.

Gordon has participated in numerous food-related TV shows, articles and events including Food Network Canada's Christine Cushing Live, Toronto Life, LCBO, Williams-Sonoma, and several charity-driven cooking events including Toronto Taste. He lives in downtown Toronto with his wife Sau-fann of 9 years with their Boston Terriers, Norman and Freddy his daughter Isabel and new addition to the family, son Lucas.