Reviewing Mike Thorogood, Executive Chef with Forest City National Golf Club
Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
When one of The Ring's team leaders came back from a visit to Forest City National Golf Club, gushing that, if she could do her wedding all over again, it would be at Forest City, we knew we had to find out more about this golf club and wedding venue.
It quickly became easy to see why our team and past brides alike are so impressed with the venue. Between the much raved about venue guru Mike - the only Executive Chef in London that books, coordinates and works with all their brides, a menu filled with local, flavourful food and an all in one location with stunning views of Fanshawe Lake, it doesn't get any better than Forest City National for your wedding day.
Let us tell you more...
The Venue
Imagine an elegant reception nestled on 275 acres along the shore of Fanshawe Lake or, an intimate ceremony with gorgeous, panoramic views of their 18 hole golf course. Forest City National offers options for every wedding style, size and budget.
The Grand Hall is ideal for a large reception, with a seating capacity of up to 250 guests for a sit-down meal or, 200 for a buffet-style meal. And, when you book the Grand Hall, you'll have exclusive access to their fabulous new patio. Overlooking the Yacht Club on Fanshawe Lake, it's the perfect setting for cocktails before dinner and an outdoor option for your guests to use throughout the evening.
With floor length windows overlooking Fanshawe Lake and the first tee, Players Lounge is perfect for a smaller, more intimate celebration, seating two to fifty guests. Couples that book the Grand Hall will also have access to Players Lounge during their reception, another fabulous spot where guests can mingle and relax (subject to availability).
And, as a true all in location, you can also book Forest City National for your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. A favourite option among past brides is to hold a BBQ on the patio. Whether you're looking for something casual and fun or a more formal setting, the patio offers the ideal ambience for both.
While Forest City National is well-known as a popular wedding destination, they also hold many golf tournaments each year- a huge benefit for their brides and grooms as well. Mike explains, "It opens up to a lot of experience in the food service side of things. It keep us on our toes and ready for anything and any scenario."
Past Forest City couples also benefit from the venue's policy that they only hold one wedding per day. So, with the exception of the golfers on the course and in the club house, the entire space is yours for the day!
Personally Speaking
Another favourite thing among past Forest City brides is the opportunity to work with Executive Chef Mike Thorogood. Mike comes with twenty-five years of cooking experience as well as an additional ten years of wedding coordination and planning experience.
Working with Mike is a completely unique and special experience. As the Executive Chef, he leads his team in creating a memorable wedding day meal for you and your guests. However, Mike is also with you throughout the entire wedding process, from your initial meeting to your dinner reception. This allows him to truly get to know the couples he works with and what they want on their wedding day. "I am very knowledgeable in the whole wedding experience...and I provide a comfort factor for them and the whole family. I feel that it is such an important day that I want them to enjoy it...being myself with the bride and groom and family makes them feel comfortable with the process."
A graduate of the Culinary Management Program at Fanshawe College, Mike is also in the midst of gaining his red seal certification and safe food handlers certification. However, for Mike, most of his expertise comes from the twenty plus weddings he does each year. Mike explains, "I have taken over the reins when it comes to the booking and coordination process. I feel the experience I provide right from the start to finish and dealing with the Chef in many ways settles the whole process down and makes couples feel comfortable with the whole scenario."
And with so many weddings under his belt, Mike says he still feels the same passion that he did after his first wedding. So what keeps him inspired? Playing such an integral role in the bride and groom's big day. "These days are so important to them and just to be part of that for them as well as their families keeps me coming back day in and day out."
Heather Kingston-MacClure held her August 20th, 2011 ceremony and reception at Forest City National and says that Mike and his team went above and beyond any expectations she could have had for her wedding day. "There really aren't words to explain how much we enjoyed working with Mike and the team. They were so accommodating. Even though they hosted their largest golf tournament the day before our wedding, the staff stayed late to help us set up for the next day. I think that a lot of times, the staff are there to do their jobs and collect a paycheque, but it certainly didn't feel that way at FCN. They made me feel special, on the most special day of my life. I could go on and on about how awesome they were. We even told Mike that we wanted him to put in our contract that if he were to leave FCN, that he would have to come back to work our wedding!"
Past bride Leah Trewartha held her entire July 7th, 2012 wedding day at Forest City National. She told The Ring about her experiences working with Mike, "He is very welcoming, and friendly, and frankly amazing. His experience, knowledge, and flexibility made planning our wedding less stressful. He was always available, and made us feel important from day one. He was very clear on our next steps and we never felt unsure of when we would meet, and what the plans were going forward. For a first time bride, this was so important, as some other vendors left me frazzled and unsure. One of the only things I was worried about was walking up the aisle (on the grass) in my heels, so I mentioned it as a joke to Mike, and he had a solution...he really does have all the answers."
The Food
The food at Forest City National is another reason why brides, grooms and their guests rave about the venue. Although they have a fantastic menu selection, Mike and his team always welcome customized menus...you can really have almost anything that you'd like at Forest City National. Mike describes his menu as "good old home cooking" with fresh, local ingredients and amazing flavours and portions.
Mike knows how important the food is to the success of your event and thus, works hard to make sure that everything is as perfect as it can be, from taste to presentation to timing (even if your wedding is running a bit behind).
Late night food options are also open to customization. Mike finds that many couples are going with what he calls "bar flare food" such as hot dog carts, taco bars and poutine stations. It's fast, easy and most importantly...a fun end to your evening!
Leah Trewartha says that her guests still comment on the incredible food at her wedding. Leah told The Ring, "There were various meal options… sit down dinner, buffet, and food stations to name a few. For example one of our favourite options for our late night meal was so unique and fun as it featured a poutine station, and pizza. This was a surprise to our guests, and a total HIT! At the wedding we attended there three weeks later, there was a hot dog station for the late night snack. So if you want the typical late night meals, you can get that, but if you dare to be different, and unique, Mike and FCN can handle anything. There were also many bar options but Mike is willing to accommodate any idea you have in mind. And better yet, he is willing to accommodate budget."
The Forest City Style
Mike says that while many couples he meets are relatively traditional, all types of couples get married at Forest City National, part of what keeps things exciting for himself and his team "I really see all walks of life ranging from young couples, second marriages, and small town couples to big city couples. There really isn’t one specific type or scenario that hasn’t come through my doors."
Pricing it out
Facility rentals at Forest City National range from $425 for on-site ceremonies to $975 for your reception. Linens (black, white or ivory) are included with the hall rental however, couples can bring in additional colours through their favourite decorator. Decorators are welcome the night before the wedding, as long as no other event is booked.
Meal and alcohol prices will range depending on what you choose. To give you an idea, dinner ranges from $31.95 per person to $37.95 per person and your appetizers or a late night snack run at approximately $1500 to $2000. Wine is approximately $30.00 per bottle and bar drinks are approximately $5.00 per drink. Couples can choose an open bar, tickets, a toonie or, a cash bar.
Walking you through it...
To get in touch with Mike, he suggests giving him a call and sending him an email to ensure that you reach him either way. Mike explains, "I am an extremely busy Chef and timing for all is tough. But, I am very attentive to the whole process once the ball gets rolling."
Your first consultation is a basic information session where you'll walk through the facility and get to know its features. If you decide to book Forest City National for your wedding day, Mike will set up an appointment with you (generally in the early New Year) to discuss the details; food, alcohol and your wedding itinerary. From here, you'll usually correspond through emails or phone calls to tweak any wedding details. Closer to your wedding day, you'll have a few more meetings with Mike to firm up your wedding details.
On your wedding day, Mike is always there from your ceremony to dinner to ensure that everything is taken care of and that your wedding day is seamless!
Heather Kingston-MacClure says that she couldn't have picked a more perfect venue for her wedding, "We did actually check out a large number of venues in London and surrounding areas. The moment we went to FCN and toured the grounds, we just knew it was the place we were going to get married. With the amazing views of Fanshawe Lake and the perfectly manicured grounds, it was just a bonus that Mike was so amazing to work with from the get go. My husband is never one to rush into any large purchases, so he made me promise to keep an open mind about other venues. But, just like with my wedding gown, as much as we kept an open mind about other places, this one kept popping back into our minds."
Details, details, details
• The average bride spends between $8000 and $15000 at Forest City National.
• 13% tax and 15% gratuities applies.
• There is a $975.00 deposit required six months before your wedding. For Friday or Sunday weddings and off-season weddings, the deposit is $500. The full payment of your estimate is due seven days prior to your wedding day.
• Your onsite ceremony is $425, not including chairs. Forest City National recommends A+B Party and Tent Rental for your tent and/or chair rentals.
• To ensure that your wedding date is available, Forest City National suggests booking twelve to twenty-four months ahead.
When one of The Ring's team leaders came back from a visit to Forest City National Golf Club, gushing that, if she could do her wedding all over again, it would be at Forest City, we knew we had to find out more about this golf club and wedding venue.
It quickly became easy to see why our team and past brides alike are so impressed with the venue. Between the much raved about venue guru Mike - the only Executive Chef in London that books, coordinates and works with all their brides, a menu filled with local, flavourful food and an all in one location with stunning views of Fanshawe Lake, it doesn't get any better than Forest City National for your wedding day.
Let us tell you more...
The Venue
Imagine an elegant reception nestled on 275 acres along the shore of Fanshawe Lake or, an intimate ceremony with gorgeous, panoramic views of their 18 hole golf course. Forest City National offers options for every wedding style, size and budget.
The Grand Hall is ideal for a large reception, with a seating capacity of up to 250 guests for a sit-down meal or, 200 for a buffet-style meal. And, when you book the Grand Hall, you'll have exclusive access to their fabulous new patio. Overlooking the Yacht Club on Fanshawe Lake, it's the perfect setting for cocktails before dinner and an outdoor option for your guests to use throughout the evening.
With floor length windows overlooking Fanshawe Lake and the first tee, Players Lounge is perfect for a smaller, more intimate celebration, seating two to fifty guests. Couples that book the Grand Hall will also have access to Players Lounge during their reception, another fabulous spot where guests can mingle and relax (subject to availability).
And, as a true all in location, you can also book Forest City National for your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. A favourite option among past brides is to hold a BBQ on the patio. Whether you're looking for something casual and fun or a more formal setting, the patio offers the ideal ambience for both.
While Forest City National is well-known as a popular wedding destination, they also hold many golf tournaments each year- a huge benefit for their brides and grooms as well. Mike explains, "It opens up to a lot of experience in the food service side of things. It keep us on our toes and ready for anything and any scenario."
Past Forest City couples also benefit from the venue's policy that they only hold one wedding per day. So, with the exception of the golfers on the course and in the club house, the entire space is yours for the day!
Personally Speaking
Another favourite thing among past Forest City brides is the opportunity to work with Executive Chef Mike Thorogood. Mike comes with twenty-five years of cooking experience as well as an additional ten years of wedding coordination and planning experience.
Working with Mike is a completely unique and special experience. As the Executive Chef, he leads his team in creating a memorable wedding day meal for you and your guests. However, Mike is also with you throughout the entire wedding process, from your initial meeting to your dinner reception. This allows him to truly get to know the couples he works with and what they want on their wedding day. "I am very knowledgeable in the whole wedding experience...and I provide a comfort factor for them and the whole family. I feel that it is such an important day that I want them to enjoy it...being myself with the bride and groom and family makes them feel comfortable with the process."
A graduate of the Culinary Management Program at Fanshawe College, Mike is also in the midst of gaining his red seal certification and safe food handlers certification. However, for Mike, most of his expertise comes from the twenty plus weddings he does each year. Mike explains, "I have taken over the reins when it comes to the booking and coordination process. I feel the experience I provide right from the start to finish and dealing with the Chef in many ways settles the whole process down and makes couples feel comfortable with the whole scenario."
And with so many weddings under his belt, Mike says he still feels the same passion that he did after his first wedding. So what keeps him inspired? Playing such an integral role in the bride and groom's big day. "These days are so important to them and just to be part of that for them as well as their families keeps me coming back day in and day out."
Heather Kingston-MacClure held her August 20th, 2011 ceremony and reception at Forest City National and says that Mike and his team went above and beyond any expectations she could have had for her wedding day. "There really aren't words to explain how much we enjoyed working with Mike and the team. They were so accommodating. Even though they hosted their largest golf tournament the day before our wedding, the staff stayed late to help us set up for the next day. I think that a lot of times, the staff are there to do their jobs and collect a paycheque, but it certainly didn't feel that way at FCN. They made me feel special, on the most special day of my life. I could go on and on about how awesome they were. We even told Mike that we wanted him to put in our contract that if he were to leave FCN, that he would have to come back to work our wedding!"
Past bride Leah Trewartha held her entire July 7th, 2012 wedding day at Forest City National. She told The Ring about her experiences working with Mike, "He is very welcoming, and friendly, and frankly amazing. His experience, knowledge, and flexibility made planning our wedding less stressful. He was always available, and made us feel important from day one. He was very clear on our next steps and we never felt unsure of when we would meet, and what the plans were going forward. For a first time bride, this was so important, as some other vendors left me frazzled and unsure. One of the only things I was worried about was walking up the aisle (on the grass) in my heels, so I mentioned it as a joke to Mike, and he had a solution...he really does have all the answers."
The Food
The food at Forest City National is another reason why brides, grooms and their guests rave about the venue. Although they have a fantastic menu selection, Mike and his team always welcome customized menus...you can really have almost anything that you'd like at Forest City National. Mike describes his menu as "good old home cooking" with fresh, local ingredients and amazing flavours and portions.
Mike knows how important the food is to the success of your event and thus, works hard to make sure that everything is as perfect as it can be, from taste to presentation to timing (even if your wedding is running a bit behind).
Late night food options are also open to customization. Mike finds that many couples are going with what he calls "bar flare food" such as hot dog carts, taco bars and poutine stations. It's fast, easy and most importantly...a fun end to your evening!
Leah Trewartha says that her guests still comment on the incredible food at her wedding. Leah told The Ring, "There were various meal options… sit down dinner, buffet, and food stations to name a few. For example one of our favourite options for our late night meal was so unique and fun as it featured a poutine station, and pizza. This was a surprise to our guests, and a total HIT! At the wedding we attended there three weeks later, there was a hot dog station for the late night snack. So if you want the typical late night meals, you can get that, but if you dare to be different, and unique, Mike and FCN can handle anything. There were also many bar options but Mike is willing to accommodate any idea you have in mind. And better yet, he is willing to accommodate budget."
The Forest City Style
Mike says that while many couples he meets are relatively traditional, all types of couples get married at Forest City National, part of what keeps things exciting for himself and his team "I really see all walks of life ranging from young couples, second marriages, and small town couples to big city couples. There really isn’t one specific type or scenario that hasn’t come through my doors."
Pricing it out
Facility rentals at Forest City National range from $425 for on-site ceremonies to $975 for your reception. Linens (black, white or ivory) are included with the hall rental however, couples can bring in additional colours through their favourite decorator. Decorators are welcome the night before the wedding, as long as no other event is booked.
Meal and alcohol prices will range depending on what you choose. To give you an idea, dinner ranges from $31.95 per person to $37.95 per person and your appetizers or a late night snack run at approximately $1500 to $2000. Wine is approximately $30.00 per bottle and bar drinks are approximately $5.00 per drink. Couples can choose an open bar, tickets, a toonie or, a cash bar.
Walking you through it...
To get in touch with Mike, he suggests giving him a call and sending him an email to ensure that you reach him either way. Mike explains, "I am an extremely busy Chef and timing for all is tough. But, I am very attentive to the whole process once the ball gets rolling."
Your first consultation is a basic information session where you'll walk through the facility and get to know its features. If you decide to book Forest City National for your wedding day, Mike will set up an appointment with you (generally in the early New Year) to discuss the details; food, alcohol and your wedding itinerary. From here, you'll usually correspond through emails or phone calls to tweak any wedding details. Closer to your wedding day, you'll have a few more meetings with Mike to firm up your wedding details.
On your wedding day, Mike is always there from your ceremony to dinner to ensure that everything is taken care of and that your wedding day is seamless!
Heather Kingston-MacClure says that she couldn't have picked a more perfect venue for her wedding, "We did actually check out a large number of venues in London and surrounding areas. The moment we went to FCN and toured the grounds, we just knew it was the place we were going to get married. With the amazing views of Fanshawe Lake and the perfectly manicured grounds, it was just a bonus that Mike was so amazing to work with from the get go. My husband is never one to rush into any large purchases, so he made me promise to keep an open mind about other venues. But, just like with my wedding gown, as much as we kept an open mind about other places, this one kept popping back into our minds."
Details, details, details
• The average bride spends between $8000 and $15000 at Forest City National.
• 13% tax and 15% gratuities applies.
• There is a $975.00 deposit required six months before your wedding. For Friday or Sunday weddings and off-season weddings, the deposit is $500. The full payment of your estimate is due seven days prior to your wedding day.
• Your onsite ceremony is $425, not including chairs. Forest City National recommends A+B Party and Tent Rental for your tent and/or chair rentals.
• To ensure that your wedding date is available, Forest City National suggests booking twelve to twenty-four months ahead.
