The original founder of the famed Bistro Moncur in Woollahra Hotel in Sydney’s east, has returned to the venue as its culinary ambassador.
Public House Management Group (PHMG), the current owner and operator of the hotel and restaurant, has announced Pignolet’s new ambassadorial role. The famed chef purchased the hotel and opened the French bistro within it in 1993 – a move that was groundbreaking for the Sydney pub scene at the time.
Pignolet returned to Bistro Moncur recently to celebrate its 25th anniversary with Public House Management Group, with many of his famed dishes on the menu including marinated salmon and confit duck leg. The iconic chef is now set to return on a more semi-permanent basis.
“It is a tremendous honour to be back at Bistro Moncur,” stated Pignolet.
“The people have always been the heart of what we do – from our locals to our team – so there is very much a sense of coming home. While there is a sense of nostalgia, there is also wonderful energy for the future and I look forward to introducing a new era with our team.”
In his culinary ambassadorship Pignolet will develop innovation among the team; mentor chefs and front-of-house staff; consult on and develop menus; and attend special events at the venue throughout the year.
“Damien Pignolet’s contribution to Bistro Moncur has been, and continues to be, a significant part of our legacy,” stated Mitchell Waugh, CEO of PHMG.
“We are thrilled to welcome Damien back in an official capacity and are hugely excited to see what we can achieve together. We can think of no one better suited to driving forward opportunity and innovation while respecting and honouring our heritage.”
Pignolet hosted his first event at Bistro Moncur yesterday, ‘A Taste of Loire Valley’. However his role as culinary ambassador officially begins on Friday 1 June.