Renowned Chefs Join Niagara Parks

Niagara Parks Welcomes New Chefs

Award-winning Chef Matthew Krupa, takes the reigns at Niagara Parks’ flagship Table Rock House Restaurant, overlooking the iconic Horseshoe Falls

Niagara-born Chef Matthew Hemmingsen, brings fresh and sustainable approach as new Chef at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant

Both restaurants feature fully redesigned menus with a continued commitment to locally sourced ingredients

Niagara Parks is proud to kick-off the 2023 tourism season with two new Chefs heading up the kitchens at its renowned Table Rock House and Queen Victoria Place Restaurants. The recently renovated Table Rock House Restaurant, welcomes new Chef Matthew Krupa, following the retirement of long-time Niagara Parks Chef Elbert Wiersema. At Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, Chef Matthew Hemmingsen has unveiled a fresh new locally sourced menu, just in time for the season opening of the restaurant.

Chef Matthew Krupa, Table Rock House Restaurant
A graduate of the Niagara College Culinary Management Program, Chef Matthew Krupa began his career in Europe at a 3 Star Michelin Restaurant, eventually returning home where he was recognized as one of the “Top 30 under 30” up-and-comers by the Ontario Hostelry Institute. Chef Krupa developed a unique cooking identity rooted in old French-based techniques, integrating elements of nouvelle cuisine and new world flavours. His blends of international flavours were further developed as Senior Sous Chef at Langdon Hall, a Relais and Chateaux property recognized as a coveted AAA Five Diamond venue. In recent years, his passion for Niagara living led him back to the region to gain experience at iconic Niagara wineries and eateries, including, Peller Estates, Trius Winery, Megalomaniac, Good Earth Food and Wine and The Chase.

Chef Krupa has introduced a spectacular new menu at Table Rock House Restaurant, delivering an authentic taste of place for guests with new starters including Ontario Burrata finished with fresh Strawberries and Black Olive Caramel, along with a diverse selection of main course options ranging from classics like Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop served with Sweet Potato Puree, topped with Double-Smoked Bacon and Pecan Chutney, to new favourites like the Goat Cheese and Barley Crepes. The full menu is available at niagaraparks.com/tablerockhouse.

Chef Matthew Hemmingsen, Queen Victoria Place Restaurant
Niagara born and trained Chef Matthew Hemmingsen prides himself in showcasing the fantastic local and seasonal ingredients from the Niagara region. He holds fond childhood memories of harvesting fruits and vegetables on his family’s farm, developing a deep appreciation for the ingredients he works with. As a graduate of Niagara College’s Culinary Management Program, Chef Hemmingsen is passionate about supporting culinary excellence within the community, industry and region. From his time spent at Cherry Hill Country Club to Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery, he has continually incorporated the offerings of Niagara. While apprenticing at Rinderlin’s Dining Room, he developed a classical European take on cooking, while working alongside some of the top chefs in the region.

Chef Hemmingsen’s new menu at Queen Victoria Place is now available for guests and features standouts including a Char-Grilled Caesar with Prosciutto, Shaved Pecorino, and Crispy Capers, Lobster & Bacon Mac & Cheese Gratin, and Indigenous agriculture inspired Three Sisters Smoked Trout Cakes. To view Chef Hemmingsen’s new menu, please visit at niagaraparks.com/queen-victoria-place-restaurant/.

Feast On, Ontario’s Farm-to-Table Certificate Program

Niagara Parks Culinary is committed to supporting Ontario’s growers, producers and craftspeople. Since 2014, Niagara Parks has been Feast On certified, showcasing Ontario’s history, heritage and culture behind the food and drink that makes Niagara as a destination so unique. By dining with Niagara Parks Culinary, guests are directly supporting the hard-working people that make up the province’s strong food and agricultural sectors. Each of Niagara Parks’ full-service restaurants are proudly Feast On certified.

.About Niagara Parks
Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure.

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Media release and images provided by Chris Gilles, Niagara Parks. Photos: Mackenzie Rockbrune (Niagara Parks)