AGO Appoints New Executive Chef Jeff Dueck

TORONTO—The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has appointed Jeff Dueck to the role of executive chef, effective June 15, 2013.

Dueck is currently executive sous chef of the AGO’s food and beverage operations. He joined the Gallery in 2008 when its doors re-opened to the public after Transformation AGO. Dueck collaborated with current executive chef Anne Yarymowich to oversee the launch of FRANK Restaurant, the Baillie Court Event Centre, caféAGO and satellite cafes within the gallery.

With over 30 years of culinary experience, Dueck has worked at some of the finest restaurants in Toronto including Canoe, Bistro 990, Scaramouche and The Windsor Arms. His resume boasts an impressive event catering background, having executed gala openings for Luminato, Innovator’s Ball, Tennis Canada, Toronto Jazz Festival and Toronto Film Festival. Born and raised in southern Ontario, Dueck is a graduate of George Brown College, where he is currently a faculty member.

“Having worked shoulder to shoulder with Jeff for the past five years, I am thrilled to name him as successor to the culinary legacy that we have co-authored,” said Yarymowich. “He is a friend, a colleague, an exceptional culinarian and a stand-up guy. I know he will be amazing in this new role.”

“I’m delighted to take on this position at the Gallery along with the exciting new challenges it will offer,” said Dueck. “I’ve learned a great deal from Anne Yarymowich, and FRANK will continue to showcase the fresh, innovative and well-crafted culinary offerings that Anne put so much love into. The Gallery’s food outlets are growing to include pop-up stations for AGO First Thursdays, satellite operations like the popular café Galleria Italia, and exhibition-themed menus. We’re really upping the ante on artful dining experiences.”

Yarymowich retires from her 17-year tenure as FRANK’s executive chef on June 14, 2013. Her many achievements during that period include winning chef of the year in 2009 by the Ontario Hostelry Institution; being named number 3 in Toronto Life’s 2009 list of the Top Ten new restaurants; and receiving the bronze medal at Gold Medal Plates in 2010.

ABOUT THE AGO
With a collection of more than 80,000 works of art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. From the vast body of Group of Seven and signature Canadian works to the African art gallery, from the cutting-edge contemporary art to Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpiece The Massacre of The Innocents, the AGO offers an incredible art experience with each visit. In 2002 Ken Thomson’s generous gift of 2,000 remarkable works of Canadian and European art inspired Transformation AGO, an innovative architectural expansion by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry that in 2008 resulted in one of the most critically acclaimed architectural achievements in North America. Highlights include Galleria Italia, a gleaming showcase of wood and glass running the length of an entire city block, and the often-photographed spiral staircase, beckoning visitors to explore. The AGO has an active membership program offering great value, and the AGO’s Weston Family Learning Centre offers engaging art and creative programs for children, families, youth and adults. Visit ago.net to find out more about upcoming special exhibitions, to learn about eating and shopping at the AGO, to register for programs and to buy tickets or memberships.

March 16, 2013 – June 16, 2013: Revealing the Early Renaissance: Stories and Secrets in Florentine Art

Aug. 17, 2013 – Oct. 27, 2013: Ai Weiwei: According to What?

Nov. 30, 2013 – March 2, 2014: The Great Upheaval: Modern Masterpieces from the Guggenheim Collection

The AGO is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Additional operating support is received from the City of Toronto, the Canada Council for the Arts and generous contributions from AGO members, donors and private-sector partners.