Mission. Passion. Humour. Balance. These are the principles which drive our Twisted Lemon family.
Forty years of combined experience in the hospitality industry has taught the husband and wife team of Chef Dan Megna and Laurie Lilliman much about food, wine and service. Their mantra, at the core of Twisted Lemon, is that "fine dining is about great food and great service, and is an experience all should enjoy". And so began their concept of "reDefine Fine Dining", bringing in those pieces of the industry that they love, into their positive philosophy.
Located in the picturesque village of Cayuga, Haldimand County, Ontario, since 2009, Twisted Lemon is described as a hidden gem, which attracts a faithful following of flavour junkies and experienced diners from far and wide. Featuring a lively open-concept kitchen, Chef Dan Megna's dishes are well thought out in their design. Careful consideration is put into each dish, intended to illuminate all of the senses and offer depth and balance in flavour and texture. Twisted Lemon offers seasonal and locally inspired cuisine, including Chef's Blind Tasting menus, Chef's Tables in the private kitchen, demonstrational and hands-on cooking classes, exciting monthly features and house-made desserts. We look forward to welcoming you soon, to the heart of everywhere!
Dan Megna , Executive Chef & Owner
Many of you know Chef Dan as Haldimand County's passionate, funny and talented chef, and owner of Twisted Lemon and Lake Road. He’s also the host of Cable 14’s “Real Food Sexy” and “Hamilton Eats.” (scroll down the site for links to episodes.)
A graduate of the Humber College Culinary Program, he checks pretension at the door and remains true to himself and his personal mission - to contribute to his community by offering a welcomed definition of fine dining - stating with conviction: "fine dining is no more than great food, paired with great service, and should be accessible to everyone.”
Before opening his first restaurants, Twisted Lemon in Cayuga, followed by Lake Road in Hamilton; Dan's experiences included working in some of Ontario's best kitchens including Mark McEwan's North 44, Oliver's of Oakville, Rosewood Bistro (Mississauga) and the Metropolitan Hotel in downtown Toronto.
A natural facilitator of information, for over a decade Dan has eagerly shared his food knowledge at his Twisted Lemon cooking classes & wine dinners, as well as private groups and hands-on classes. He has enjoyed teaching from his original catering kitchen, at local high schools, right in Cayuga's FoodLand as well as at countless in-home classes. His classes have exploded in popularity, and are equally 'entertaining', 'a great time', and bursting with practical and useful culinary gems. Chef Dan continues to offer cooking classes, both demonstrational and hands-on, including youth/kids classes and private one-on-one classes.
A graduate of the Humber College Culinary Program, he checks pretension at the door and remains true to himself and his personal mission - to contribute to his community by offering a welcomed definition of fine dining - stating with conviction: "fine dining is no more than great food, paired with great service, and should be accessible to everyone.”
Before opening his first restaurants, Twisted Lemon in Cayuga, followed by Lake Road in Hamilton; Dan's experiences included working in some of Ontario's best kitchens including Mark McEwan's North 44, Oliver's of Oakville, Rosewood Bistro (Mississauga) and the Metropolitan Hotel in downtown Toronto.
A natural facilitator of information, for over a decade Dan has eagerly shared his food knowledge at his Twisted Lemon cooking classes & wine dinners, as well as private groups and hands-on classes. He has enjoyed teaching from his original catering kitchen, at local high schools, right in Cayuga's FoodLand as well as at countless in-home classes. His classes have exploded in popularity, and are equally 'entertaining', 'a great time', and bursting with practical and useful culinary gems. Chef Dan continues to offer cooking classes, both demonstrational and hands-on, including youth/kids classes and private one-on-one classes.
Laurie Lilliman, Director of Operations & Owner
Laurie is 'the other half' of Lake Road and Twisted Lemon. When she and Dan searched for the ideal place to raise their family, grow a successful business and realize their dream of building a really special place for people to wine and dine, the town of Cayuga drew them in...and they haven't looked back.
Three decades in the hospitality industry have literally taken Laurie on a culinary adventure around the globe. Laurie has worked in restaurants in Australia, England, Italy, on Canada's West Coast, and, prior to starting her own businesses, at Toronto's Sotto Sotto Ristorante. Entering fine dining in the 80's as one of the first female servers at Hamilton's Maxwell's, she developed her passion for the art of fine dining and, more importantly, recognized her calling to serve and spoil.
Having served the likes of A-list celebrities, royalty, countless sports and musical personalities, her like-minded attitude with Dan that "fine dining is just great food and great service", makes her the perfect "front-of-the-house" figure, there to ensure your dining experience brings you that little something extra every time.
Patrick Field, Sommelier
A self-professed "wine geek", Patrick’s humility is only second to his sense of humour. Patrick's wine knowledge is extensive, and his attitude and respect for viniculture is refreshing. Both are evident in the creative and interesting selections he chooses for the wine and beverage programs at both restaurants.
Before making his way to Cayuga, Patrick's career left it's mark on several fine Canadian restaurants including The Millcroft Inn (Alton), Blacktree Restaurant (Burlington), Ancaster Mill, The Lord Nelson Restaurant (Burlington), Oban Dining Room (Niagara-on-the-lake), Eaton Hall (King City), and Oliver's of Oakville.
Patrick is available for wine consultation, and is also available for your custom wine dinners, tastings and consultation, both in restaurant, or in the privacy of your own home. Reach out to us and we'll be happy to make the arrangements for your own exclusive function.
Anthony Ryckman
A Haldimand native, Anthony grew up in Cayuga before moving to the Okanagan Valley at 18. A “night job” seemed like a good idea (to allow for snowboarding during the day at Big White) so Anthony started cooking in Kelowna and it just snowballed from there.
A Red Seal Chef, Anthony is one of just three current Twisted Lemon staff who have been part of the team since the very beginning, in the summer of 2009.
The west keeps calling him back, and Anthony travels to BC as often as possible. He’s now the proudest uncle to two adorable nieces though, so we’re hoping you will see him and his amazing mohawk around TL for a while to come.
Michelle Dunn, Operations Manager
One of the newer members of the Twisted Lemon/Lake Road family, Michelle’s diverse and extensive hospitality background includes professional photography, media & public relations, journalism and real-estate. Her everyday includes pieces of each - from photography and social media, to managing staff, organizing functions & caterings, communications, promotions and everything in between.
Having been a server (briefly) in Scotland, Michelle spent almost ten years as hostess and bartender at The Lord Nelson in Burlington before her path brought her to Twisted Lemon in April of 2014.
As the ‘other-half’ of our Sommelier Patrick Field, Michelle goes out of her way to ensure the experience of our guests includes the personal touches and small-town feel people have come to expect (and adore) from Laurie, Chef Dan and the Twisted Lemon.
