Everything impresses at The JW Marriott Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa in Minett, and the dining is no exception. Here spectacular dishes are served with generous sides of ambience and scenery.
“Expectations are high because of the JW Marriott brand. People have a right to expect a special dining experience, and we aim to deliver” says Executive Chef Prasanna Kumar.
The JW Marriott Rosseau Muskoka Resort is one of the premier resorts in all Canada. Its reputation – founded on quality of its hospitality, the award-winning Hydro Spa and numerous recreational facilities, an ambitious concert series with some of the biggest names in music, and guest rooms offering eye-wateringly beautiful views out onto the expanse of Lake Rosseau – is peerless.
Kumar knows the dining must be commensurately excellent. “The resort’s status informs all our decisions,” he explains.
Kumar knows a thing or two about satisfying discerning taste buds. Before joining The Rosseau Muskoka Resort in April 2023, Kumar spent 18 years of acclaim crafting memorable dishes at some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in Dubai, including the 5-Star Dubai International Hotel – Dubai Airports. During that time, he earned the Best Cuisiner award from the Emirates Culinary Guild in 2017, a distinction that’s equivalented to winning a culinary Olympic gold medal.
Despite the heights to which he has honed his craft, Kumar didn’t originally intend to pursue a culinary career. “I originally wanted to be a software engineer, but my engineer father pushed me into cooking,” Kumar laughs. “It was his unfulfilled dream, not mine, and so I went into it reluctantly. But I soon fell in love with cooking. It became not a profession, but a passion, and two decades later I still love pushing the boundaries of my culinary skills.”
Kumar has been quick to put his own stamp on The Rosseau’s culinary offerings, no small feat as The Rosseau boasts several unique, atmospheric dining venues. The imaginative menus he created for each celebrate their distinctiveness.
Cottages, as the name suggests, is reminiscent of spending time at the family cottage with friends and family. It’s warm, casual and friendly. In the summer, take the meal outside to dine al fresco on a patio overlooking the azure waters of Lake Rosseau below.
When the temperatures soar the lure of the lake becomes irresistible. The resort recognizes pulling people away from the beach for lunch is a big ask, so instead opts to bring lunch to the beach at The Deck, a lakeside eatery offering light dining options and ice-cold cocktails. Between noon and 3pm on an average summer day, the Deck makes 200 pizzas in its wood-fired oven. If you indulge in one, you’ll see why.
Muskoka Chophouse elevates the classic steakhouse. Refined décor, intimate booths, and a top-tier wine list served by knowledgeable sommeliers make the restaurant ideal for a special evening. Here, dining is all about great quality meat, prepared to perfection and with a simple presentation to allow the flavors to speak for themselves. “It’s the finest steakhouse in Muskoka,” enthuses Kumar.
For something more casual head to Lakes ‘The Gathering Place’. Located off the main lobby and adjacent to the resort’s exuberant bar, Lakes is the ultimate place to unwind with cocktails, local beers, and a light dining menu.
Finally, Teca is an Italian bistro featuring authentic cuisine. The lighting is dimmed but Teca offers a culinary ray of sunshine. “Italian food is a classic, and for good reason,” says Kumar, “but there’s far more to Italian dining than pasta and we explore those boundaries with our menu.” Dishes are approachable but with exciting twists. New menu highlights include a three-cheese stuffed agnolotti served on a bed of shredded duck, pan-seared salmon in a traditional Tuscan bean soup, and seafood linguine so rich in flavor you’d swear you’re in an oceanside ristorante on the Amalfi Coast.
Everything about JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa impresses, including the dining. Whichever restaurant you select you can expect inventive dishes, next-level service, and stylish vibes.
For more information about the resort and to make your reservation visit: https://www.marriott.com/
Article written by Andrew Hind.
Photographs by Andrew Hind.
About JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka is a luxury conference resort two and a half hours north of Toronto, in Ontario’s scenic “cottage country”. Recipient of the AAA/CAA four diamond award every year since opening in 2008, plus prestigious Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence at two of its restaurants. The resort is set atop a granite bluff overlooking pristine Lake Rosseau. Visitors enjoy inspirational views, intuitive service and the opportunity to explore nature on their terms.
For more information and to make your reservation, visit the JW Marriott the Rosseau Muskoka website.
About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 30 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul.