MPP Oosterhoff Recognizes Restaurant Pearl Morissette as Recipient of Rural Heart Award

January 19, 2026

Toronto – Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, joined Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Annual Conference in Toronto this week to recognize Restaurant Pearl Morissette as a recipient of a provincial rural excellence award.

The inaugural Rural Heart Award was presented to Milton Mednick, Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Pearl Morrissette, as part of the Rural Inspiration Awards celebration at the rural leaders’ conference. The new award celebrates the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that are helping build vibrant communities in rural Ontario and ensuring prosperity across the province.

“I congratulate Restaurant Pearl Morissette – including local chefs, Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson – on being recognized with this high distinction,” said MPP Oosterhoff.

“As Ontario’s only two Michelin Star restaurant, Restaurant Pearl Morissette continues to lead Niagara’s culinary renaissance, providing visitors to our region with a world-class dining experience, supporting the province’s Destination Niagara Strategy.”

“Restaurant Pearl Morissette was voted the top restaurant in Canada last year by Maclean’s magazine,” said Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.

“Pearl Morissette displays leadership in sustainability and their forward-thinking approach to creating a one-of-a-kind restaurant experience that captures the essence of rural communities and exemplifies the resilience of rural Ontario.”

This past September, Restaurant Pearl Morissette was ranked third best restaurant in North America in the first edition of North America’s Fifty Best Restaurants list, as well as being awarded a second Michelin Star by the Michelin Guide of culinary excellence. Restaurant Pearl Morissette is one of three restaurants in Ontario to be awarded a prestigious Green Star, recognizing outstanding sustainability and a commitment to local seasonal ingredients.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our local farming community and our shared pride in Jordan, the Town of Lincoln and the greater Niagara area as a world-class destination,” said Milton Mednick, Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Pearl Morissette.

“On behalf of council, I want to congratulate Restaurant Pearl Morissette on receiving a Rural Heart Award,” said Sandra Easton, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln.

“This recognition speaks directly to the excellence and growing world-class reputation of our culinary and wine sector in the Niagara Benchlands.”