Going to New Heights at the 360 Restaurant

Toronto’s city skyline is distinctively punctuated by one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the CN Tower.  Hovering 553m over the metropolis, the famed tower houses 360 The Restaurant which is known for its Canadian Ingredients, Canadian Wine and Canadian View.

At the helm, creating an unforgettable dining experience for patrons is Executive Chef John Morris; someone who both literally and figuratively has reached new heights.  Since joining the team at the CN Tower, he has elevated Canadian cuisine by providing an inventive locally sourced menu that is paired with Canadian wines found in the World’s Highest Wine Cellar. 

Part of Chef Morris’ commitment to crafting an incomparable culinary experience featuring Canadian ingredients is the partnership with 100km Foods Inc., an award-winning local food distribution company whose mission is to establish a viable, dynamic and sustainable local food economy that bridges the worlds of farmers and chefs.  A business model that impressed John and his team at the 360 and created a valuable connection that allows them to feature local produce at the restaurant year-round while supporting the local economy.

This partnership means that the 360 confidently provides an authentic taste of the region experience for diners and has also earned it a FEAST ON certification (which for an operation of this size is no small feat).   This important movement in sustainability has been an incredibly well-received one within the organization, “Everyone, from all areas has been very enthusiastic and supportive of all these initiatives.  In addition, our guests are very receptive, and increasingly interested into where their food is sourced from. So, supporting locally grown and produced food is a big win-win.  Our entire team including the kitchen and the front of house have learned so many great local food stories and have had the opportunity to meet and learn from many of the local farmers and producers face to face.  This is an excellent exchange of ideas and information that is then passed on to our guests in the form of an enhanced dining experience.” –  Chef John Morris

Further to partnering with like-minded suppliers, Chef Morris and the team are also currently seeking to obtain LEAF certification for 360 Restaurant and the CN Tower. This additional certification would solidify their commitment to the environment and providing a sustainable dining experience (guests dining at LEAF certified restaurants, support the foodservice industry in becoming green and reduce their own environmental footprint). 

All of this is a true win-win for local farmers, the local economy and the restaurant industry.  It is individuals like those on this culinary team and sustainability initiatives that make the 360 tower over others and should have everyone looking up to what they do.  Buon Appetito!

Note:  I had the opportunity to meet Executive Chef John Morris and General Manager, Restaurants and Events Cameron Dryburgh at an information session that was hosted at the 360.  It was here that I spoke to the chef and learned about their initiatives along the delectable opportunity to sample both food and wine from their locally sourced producers.