Niagara Parks, on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, is proud to kick off the 2023 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 welcomes Chef Matthew Krupa following the retirement of long-time Chef Elbert Wiersema. At Queen Victoria Place, Chef Matthew Hemmingsen unveiled a new locally sourced menu just in time for the season opening.

Chef Matt Hemmingsen © Niagara Parks

A graduate of Niagara College Culinary Management Program, Chef Matthew Krupa began his career in Europe at a 3-Michelin-star restaurant, eventually returning home where he was recognized as one of the “Top 30 Under 30” up-and-comers by Canada’s Ontario Hostelry Institute. Chef Krupa developed a unique cooking identity rooted in old French-based techniques, integrating elements of nouvelle cuisine and new world flavors. His blends of international flavors were further developed as senior sous chef at Langdon Hall. 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 introduced a spectacular new menu at Table Rock House, delivering an authentic taste of place for guests, with new starters including Ontario burrata finished with fresh strawberries and black olive caramel. He also launched 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 favorites like goat cheese and barley crepes.

© Niagara Parks

Niagara-born and -trained Chef Matthew Hemmingsen at Queen Victoria Place prides himself in showcasing 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. 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 the Niagara region. While apprenticing at Rinderlin’s Dining Room, he developed a classical European take on cooking.

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.

Chef Matt Krupa © Niagara Parks

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 a destination so unique. By dining with Niagara Parks Culinary, guests are directly supporting the hard-working people who make up the province’s strong food and agricultural sectors. Each of Niagara Parks’ full-service restaurants are proudly Feast On certified.