With more than a decade of experience in management, consulting and ownership of some of Ontario’s most celebrated establishments, Kimberly Humby knows how to deliver exceptional guest service and inspire winning restaurant staff.
As general manager of one of Service Inspired Restaurants’ (SIR) Toronto Signature Restaurants, Humby is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the upscale fine dining locale Far Niente. Her role is instrumental in continuing to shape the restaurants’ philosophy of service, which focuses on combining luxury with comfort in a warm, welcoming environment. With that in mind, she supervises more than 60 staff, directs four managers, and leads the charge on training, guest service and guest relations.
Humby began her restaurant management career in 1997, with a four-year post as general manager and sommelier of one of Toronto’s best-known hot spots, The Fifth. She was general manager of the (now defunct) YYZ Restaurant in Toronto, which she led during its heyday, from 2001 to 2003, and she co-owned Toronto’s Fat Cat Bistro from 2003 to 2005. Humby was also the opening consultant at the acclaimed Bloomfield Carriage House restaurant, located in the gourmet travel destination of Prince Edward County, Ontario. Prior to joining Far Niente in early 2007, Humby returned to The Fifth for a two-year stint as general manager.
Humby’s impressive work history has also spawned a simple mantra for success: "be passionate about food, people and creating that special moment."
"I love to inspire others, and I aspire to be inspired by others," Humby says. "In the service business, the focus needs to be on the guest and on creating a special, inspired evening or meal, an experience that rises above traditional to become truly memorable."
Humby’s lofty expectations for outstanding service are fueled by an uncommon educational background: she holds a degree in psychology from the University of Toronto, studied restaurant management at George Brown College’s School of Hospitality, and is a graduate of that school’s well-known Sommelier Program.
When she’s not on the floor at Far Niente, Humby retreats to her getaway home in Prince Edward County.
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 and new addition to the family, daughter Isabel.