Meet Our Team

A Message from Our Executive Chef, Rob Ashley!

As a child, on a family vacation to Europe, a pivotal moment occurred at a small pizzeria north of Pisa in a town called Lucca, which sowed the seeds of my passion for the culinary arts and eventually led me to a fulfilling career as a professional chef. The experience at that small establishment, with its traditional wood-fired pizza ovens, left an indelible impression on me, marked by the captivating smells and flavours that emanated from those ovens. Decades later, these memories persist, serving as the foundation for my culinary journey.

I have consistently found myself drawn back to the kitchen, where every moment is a testament to my genuine love for the art of cooking. This passion has taken me around the globe through small kitchens in New Zealand, the diverse culinary landscapes of Western Australia, and now, it has brought me to Canada. Here, at The Hotel at Falcon Lake, I am honoured to assume an executive role.

The landscape at The Hotel at Falcon Lake is a rich tapestry that unfolds in three distinctive venues: Traditional Italian at 1964, Elevated fare at The Black Bear Tavern, and home-cooked Breakfast in The Den. Each setting offers a unique experience, reflecting my unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional and memorable dining moments.

I am thrilled to embark on this adventure, and I look forward to sharing my passion for food with our patrons. The essence of my journey, sparked in that small pizzeria in Lucca, continues to inspire me, and I am dedicated to creating experiences that resonate with the same enchantment I felt as a child. I am excited to take on this role with an amazing core team of passionate individuals to see where we can take The Hotel at Falcon Lake in the future.

— Rob