Public House has announced that Sydney’s original gastro pub chef will return to the Group’s celebrated Bistro Moncur at the Woollahra Hotel, beginning tonight.
On 3 March 1993 Damien Pignolet opened the doors to his French-style Bistro Moncur, and the Hotel quickly established itself as the face of a new era in the dining sector.
Earlier this year he returned for a triumphant celebration of the restaurant’s Silver Anniversary, hosting a four-course experience featuring classic dishes from the original 1993 Bistro Moncur menu and praising the evolution of gastro pubs in the past quarter-century.
“What’s happened since has been extraordinary. The most incredible things have happened through the Merivale group, in particular, along with many other operators, who have made it an incredibly fertile and interesting market.”
He now returns to the Woollahra as culinary ambassador, expanding on his work in recent years in consultation, set to promote innovation in the Bistro team, mentor chefs and staff, develop menus, and attend specialty events.
The award-winning chef says he is thrilled to return, and be part of what’s to come.
“It is a tremendous honour to be back at Bistro Moncur. 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.”
Current owner of the Woollahra, Public House Group CEO Mitchell Waugh, says the creator will be a key influence.
“Damien Pignolet’s contribution to Bistro Moncur has been, and continues to be, a significant part of our legacy.
“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.”
In celebration of the return of Pignolet, throughout June Bistro Moncur will be giving a bottle of Moët & Chandon to five tables of four or more people booked through the website.
