He directs the day-to-day operations of five kitchens and three restaurants. He also supervises the banquet functions, room service and seasonal outlets at Ontario’s largest resort. Yet he still has time to shape ice into beautiful sculptures. Sounds like a plug for the latest TV-reality-show chef, but we’re not talking about Gordon Ramsay or Rocco DiSpirito.
The man behind the apron is Rory Golden, executive chef at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, just two hours north of Toronto. On top of everything else, Golden serves on a variety of college culinary committees and apprenticeship programs, such as those at Ontario’s Georgian College, and even finds the time to oversee the resort’s maple sugar bush operation.
If it sounds as though Golden has a lot on his plate, consider this: just 20 years ago, the aspiring chef knocked on the door of Winston’s, one of Ontario’s most prestigious dining venues, and volunteered his services just to gather experience working alongside renowned chef Georges Chaignet. Through the years, Golden has held several positions at Winston’s Group–owned restaurants while also catering dinner parties for Canada’s social elite. In 1987, he joined the Deerhurst Resort culinary team, where for the past 18 years he has worked to keep the menus at all three restaurants fresh and innovative.
Roast Ontario pheasant with wildflower honey and dried cherries Serves 2
2 each 6-to-8-ounce pheasant breasts, skin on
1.2 small onion, diced fine
1 ounce sun-dried cherries
1 slice bacon, cut in half
2 ounces red wine
1 teaspoon wildflower honey
6 fluid ounces demi-glace (Knorr powder can be used)
1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
2 ounces canola oil
Salt and white pepper, to taste
Season each pheasant breast with salt and pepper. Pour the oil into a hot frying pan and sear the pheasant breast, skin side down, turning to the other side after two or three minutes. Remove from stovetop when both sides are seared. To finish cooking the pheasant, place the breast, skin side up with a slice of raw bacon on top, in a 350° F oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155 to 160 °F. (The pheasant will continue cooking a few more degrees once it is removed from the oven.) Remove from oven. Pour off excess oil. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onions are transparent. Add the honey, red wine and sun-dried cherries, and let wine reduce. Add hot demi-glace and bring to a simmer. Adjust consistency with wine, if necessary. If desired, the bacon from the top of the pheasant may be diced and placed into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
DEERHURST RESORT
1235 Deerhurst Drive
Huntsville, Ontario
Canada P1H 2E8
tel 800 461 4393, fax 705 789 2431
http://www.deerhurstresort.com
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedJuly 2025
Jul 15, 2025Global City Guidebook: Cancún
Known for its powdery white beaches and brilliant turquoise sea, Cancún combines nature and adventure with the rich cultural heritage of Riviera Maya, offering activities such as diving in the largest coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere and exploring archaeological sites. Zona Hotelera, the hotel zone, stretches along 14 miles of beaches, glamourous resorts and a buzzing party scene. Downtown Cancún has its own locally focused, vibrant social scene.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
Jul 15, 2025Viking Announces Its First River Voyages in India on New Ship
On July 10, Viking announced its first river voyages in India, set to launch in late 2027 on Viking Brahmaputra, Viking’s new, 80-guest vessel built especially for Brahmaputra River. On this 15-day Wonders of India journey, guests will experience a fully guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Daily
Jul 14, 2025Wellness Retreat Brand Launches New Programming in Partnership with Tata Harper Facials
With two properties located in Malibu and the Hudson Valley, The Ranch is a holistic wellness destination offering a variety of guided programs that incorporate principles of movement, mindful nutrition, wellness in nature and authentic connection. New initiatives include a partnership with Tata Harper Facials.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
Destinations / Asia
Jul 14, 2025Global City Guidebook: New Delhi
A city like no other, India’s exhilarating capital captivates with a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and scents. Delve into its rich heritage amid old-world charm; bustling markets; and architectural marvels alongside modern buildings, green spaces and swanky shopping malls. New Delhi’s cuisine reflects its diverse cultural history and status as an international melting pot.
7 U.S. Hot Springs to Put on Your Travel List
Slideshow
Jul 14, 2025Global City Guidebook: Cairns
July 2025
Jul 14, 2025Cruises
Jul 12, 2025Windstar Debuts Exclusive Air + Hotel Cruise Offer
Have your Polynesian dreams come true with Windstar Cruises’ new Air + Hotel offer. Receive complimentary economy airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) on select 2025/2026 Air + Hotel cruise packages, a value of up to $1,500 per person.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Global City Guidebook 2025
Jul 11, 2025Step Lively in Fashionable Sneakers Designed for City Walking
Morgen Trainers, Black-Gum Colombian craftsmanship meets European-inspired style in Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers. Handmade in Bogotá with full-grain Italian leather exterior and ultra-soft Vachetta leather lining (feel free to go sockless), these low-profile sneakers feature sturdy, vulcanized rubber soles and plush internal padding to withstand all-day city walking. The black-gum colorway feels timeless, but with five additional combinations to choose from, it’s easy to add some of your own personality while maintaining a neutral look that travels well with a variety of outfits. With slow fashion roots and lasting construction, they’re built to go the distance. $270.
ShareThis