Epicurean and romantic are the best words to describe Langdon Hall. Romantic with its gracious interiors of warm tones, silky fabrics and wood panelling detail, its tranquil grounds and gardens, where one can sit under a century old elm tree sipping fine wine or relax by the lily pond reflecting the elegant lines of the manor. And epicurean with its exceptional cuisine.

To better understand Jonathan Gushue's cooking, you have to know a little of his background. It wasn’t until years after he became a chef that Jonathan understood his father’s influence on his own culinary career. “He worked at the United Nations, and for years, we lived in Rome,” says the native of Newfoundland. "Food was his hobby so he would make something different every week – vichyssoise, pesto, linguine with clam sauce…” For a young kid from the Rock, it was as close to culinary Nirvana as he could get.

After schooling, he took his culinary skills worldwide, working his way up through the kitchen with stints in Japan at an Onsen (Hot Spring) Resort and London, England at both The Berkeley Hotel and Novelli Group of Restaurants. In 1988 he returned to Canada. After working as sous chef at The Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel, he crossed the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific for the Wedgewood Hotel and the Four Seasons, Vancouver. He was ready to reach his high skill ambition. He became Executive Chef of the famed Truffles Restaurant at The Four Seasons Toronto, where he remained from 2003 to 2005. This father of three children, two sons and a daughter, has been at Langdon Hall since November 2005. His creativity comes from the surrounding rich farmland, which provides both inspiration and rich ingredients. He incorporates the region's deep Mennonite heritage into his cooking, while experimenting with traditional specialties such as hams, sausages, and double-smoked bacon alongside fresh-picked local corn, peaches, cherries and other seasonal produce. Right at his doorstep are local farmers and a network of artisan producers in addition to Langdon’s own vegetable garden.