Both the chef and brewmaster at Mudtown Station are coming home to create the future.
Chef Tyler Cunningham was born and raised in Owen Sound. His grandparents lived in Lion's Head and Wiarton where they had large working gardens and apple orchards, raised chickens and cattle, and they ate very well off the land. Those experiences – frequently visiting both family farms – instilled in him a deep respect for fresh, local ingredients and wholesome eating. Tyler continues to draw on his roots, cooking simple yet deeply flavourful meals and possesses a passion to engage with guests to ensure memorable dining experiences upon each and every visit. Tyler greatly admires the work of the local stewards of Grey and Bruce County and always chooses to positively represent their products in all his menus. Tyler's most recent endeavor was with the operation and co-ownership of the Whippoorwill Restaurant & Tavern, which was awarded such accolades as winner of NOW Magazine's 'Best of Toronto' Readers Choice Award for 'Best Burger' 2013 and 2014 and also NOW Magazine's 'Best of Toronto' Readers Poll Award for 'Best New Restaurant' 2013.
Returning to Owen Sound with his family, Chef Cunningham brings 19 years of industry-related experience to the table. His delicious, beautifully presented dishes always leave guests satisfied and seeking to return, as he is committed to creating engaging moments and raising the bar for rural Ontario cuisine. He leads to inspire and manage kitchen crews through dedicated mentorship and patient teaching, sharing a vast culinary knowledge and strong desire to see Mudtown Station flourish in his hometown community.
Morag moved to Owen Sound when just two years old and grew up waving to the CPR freight trains as they passed her home in the country. A graduate of the McMaster School of Engineering she soon went on to pursue a new passion when she was accepted into the Brewery program at Niagara College. Morag honed her brewing skills at Neustadt Brewery and had the good fortune of being involved in the start up of the Tobermory Brewing Company. It was there that she was able to experiment with a wide range of beer types named to respect local features; Fathom Five Porter, Rattlsnake RyePA and the Bruce Trail Blonde Ale just to name a few.
While still in the Brewery program she toured the CPR station during the Doors Open event and immediately saw the potential of this historic site. It is her passion to brew beers that will challenge people's palates and looks forward to the exciting beer and food pairings she and Tyler will create. She is having fun designing a restaurant and bar with atmosphere which draws on the colourful history of Owen Sound. Morag is looking forward to that first beer on the patio this spring and even now enjoys the view of the Chi-Cheemaun in its winter home, for her a fond reminder of many wonderful summers in Tobermory. She hopes she can create wonderful memories for those who come to Mudtown Station in Owen Sound.
