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22 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 15, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER DINNER SPEAKER: Michael Killip, owner of The Twisted Fork speaks to the Canadian Club of Halton and Peel. Michael Killip's life journey met a Twisted Fork in the road By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER If members of the Canadian Club of Halton Peel weren't hungry after their recent dinner meeting, they certainly developed cravings for more after guest speaker chef Michael Killip left the podium. The flamboyant owner of The Twisted Fork Restaurant in Bronte loves food, his wife, four children and Oakville -- all in that order. He began his culinary adventures in 1986, when he desired a career change from life as an animal health technician. Part Greek, part Polish and marriage into an Italian family poised him well for the international world of cooking. Killip enrolled himself in the Stratford Chefs School and began his apprenticeship afterward at the Old Prune Restaurant, which is also located in Stratford. In search of more experience and gastronomic adventures, Killip landed in Florida, working in restaurants in Boca Raton and Key West, and also in Mexico. Four years later, he headed back to chef school, this time to teach. He debated whether working in a bistro in Paris or bakery in Cannes would be his next move, or becoming the head chef at a local startup restaurant called Paradiso. "It was my chance to be number one in the kitchen," said Killip. "Besides, France would always be there." (He hasn't been there yet, but it's on his list of future destinations.) After nine years at Paradiso and new owners in the latter part, the work-a-day routine settled in and Killip found himself watching the clock after so many years in his craft. Not a good habit when the day is 14 hours long, "That was the first time I experienced that," said Killip. Realizing her husband's disenchantment, Laura encouraged him to go and do his own thing -- a risky move considering Killip was the sole provider of the clan, which included four children, two dogs, and a cat. For these very reasons Killip initially resisted the idea. In the meantime Laura went ahead and registered a name for a restaurant as a sort of talisman for the future. Eight months later, the Twisted Fork Restaurant took shape, in 2002. "The name fit with the path I took to getting here. I have never been so happy to be overlooking the lake in Bronte," said Killip. Today, Twisted Fork is enjoying widespread popularity with theme nights that routinely sell out, and cooking classes and winemaker's events that add spice to the restaurant's daily dining adventures. Killip has received immense praise from Oakville Beaver readers for being rated the best chef in town, and has appeared on countless television and radio broadcasts demonstrating his eclectic culinary talents. "Making each plate a picture" for each of the guests who grace the 75-seat restaurant at 67 Bronte Rd. is Killip's ongoing mission. Winter is the best time to buy an air conditioner. And get 50% off a Carrier furnace today!* Act before March 31, 2008 and get: · 50% off our regular price* on a new high-efficiency furnace when you buy an air conditioner. That's a savings of $2,100! · Our Price Match Guarantee ­ if you find a lower price on the same system, we'll not only match it, we'll beat the difference by 10%.** * Only 247 systems available. Call 1-866-634-5384 today. * OAC. The financing deferral and savings promotion is only available on the following furnace and air conditioner Promotional Package Combination: Carrier Furnace ­ 92% High Efficiency, single-stage motor; Carrier Air Conditioner ­ 13 SEER with Puron and digital thermostat. 50% savings is in reference to our regular price for the feature Carrier furnace. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires on March 31, 2008 or upon the sale of all 247 Promotional Packages; whichever comes first. Call for details. ** Price Match Guarantee will be applied after the applicable Reliance and manufacturer rebates have been applied against the purchase price. Price Match Guarantee is only applicable to the Promotional Package Combination as listed above. Financing cannot be applied in conjunction with the Price Match Guarantee. Competitor's price must be publicly advertised. Guarantee does not apply after the equipment has been installed. Guarantee only applies for up to 48 hours after receipt of a Reliance quote and at no point is it valid after the promotional period stated above. Guarantee is subject to change without notice. Guarantee is not available in all areas.