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michael

Michael Guenther
Every family gathering I could be found in the kitchen learning from the aunties. You know, they eat during prep and clean-up in the kitchen - it's the place to be. All my inspitations have come from my family, travels, friends, and now restaurant guests who bring in spices and recipes. Sherry Patterson my friend of many years is my inspirational tireless farmer. I feel very blessed to be the cook and partner with Heather in Big Mamma's Boy, which is a family affair: my brother-in-law Neil Lomas is the chef along side me, my sister Wendy has developed countless recipes including the gluten-free pizza crust, and my love Tri - I wouldn't serve anything to anyone else if it didn't put a smile on his face.

 
heather

Heather Mackenzie - MY JOURNEY TO BIG MAMMA'S BOY
I was raised in Wasaga Beach…yes that's right….people actually live there!

After the time spent there, attending school there and raising St. Bernard puppies, I attended University of Western Ontario and received my Honours Degree in Physical Education. I then completed half of my Masters degree before deciding that it would be more fun to mountain climb in New Zealand than worry about the number of fat cells that multiplied in pregnant women.

I then traveled around the world for 10 years, doing and experiencing everything from fruit picking to….well, you name it, I did it! That's when I found my passion in the hospitality business. I worked in restaurants all around the world and realized one common denominator….provide good food, good atmosphere, good service, and most importantly, make people feel warm and welcome. No matter what the language of choice was, all of the above criteria made each patron feel special, so this knowledge I put under my belt.

I arrived back in Toronto for what I thought was short stay, but got hired at The Bellair Café…..1 of only 15 people hired from a crowd of 400. So my restaurant genes were sewn, so to speak. I worked there for 11 years, getting to know such customers as Whoopie Goldberg, Tom Selleck, Wayne Grezky, Grace Jones….well…you get my drift. Who could leave?
Then one day, I awoke to the realization that if "those" people could run successful restaurant, why couldn't I?

And so, Slack Alice was born. I was owner operator there for 5 years and had a wonderful time. But then I started to get antsy and needed another challenge, hence, The Looking Glass was conceived. I was owner/operator there for 4 years and then took a hiatus for about 8 months. During that time Michael and I, having worked together for 10 years at this point, began a small catering company.

Then, before you knew it, off I was in another adventure on Parliament St called Big Mamma's Boy. I was absolutely thrilled that this time, Michael agreed to join me in partnership and run the kitchen while I ran the front of the house. A match made in Heaven!

Michael and I have been running Big Mamma's Boy to wonderful accolades. Everyday is a pleasure. With our unique mix of people from all over Toronto, combined with Michael's locally raised and produced foods, to say nothing of the fact that our menu is gluten-free and we have gourmet pizzas….well, what's not to love!!!

Every night Big Mamma's Boy provides a "Cheers-like" atmosphere and combined with Michael's amazing home-made food…well, what more could you ask for?

What are My Favorite things to do…when Not at Big Mamma's Boy?

  1. Travel
  2. Swimming
  3. Walking on any beach with my dog (who happens to be my soul mate!)
  4. Meeting new and exciting people
  5. Travel……oh, did I say that already? :)
  6. Lunch!!!!!

Someday I Dream Of:

  1. A beach hut in Goa where soon I will spend my winters
  2. A beach hut on Savoury Island in off the coast from Vancouver where soon I will spend my summers
  3. One more venture…..a great space that would be a night club Friday and Saturday nights, and during the week, a space where amateur actors, comediennes, singers …..well, to be used for free for any artist that would just like a space to hone and showcase their talents. The unknown artists in Toronto are crying out for this.
  4. Meeting Jennifer Beals

Why Do I Do What I Do?
Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing a customer walk out of any restaurant that I am involved in with a smile on their faces and that look of total enjoyment. That to me is what it is all about. I love what I do!