Ben Russell will join Jonathan Barthelmess’ restaurant team as executive chef, Brisbane Operations.
Russell was previously head chef at Aria Brisbane for 10 years, prior to the restaurant closing last month. He has local and international fine dining experience, as well as an extensive network in Brisbane.
Russell will oversee Greca and a yet-to-be named venue, set to launch in November 2019. The waterfront restaurant, also part of the Howard Smith Wharves, will be a Japanese izakaya, featuring a raw section showcasing sustainable seafood, carefully sourced and selected Wagyu, and an extensive sake and wine list. Upstairs will be a fun take on a vinyl bar with an extensive and curated whiskey list.
The new venue is inspired by Barthelmess’ connection to Tokyo, where he opened The Apollo in 2016, and his Sydney restaurant Cho Cho San.
The first Brisbane venture for Barthelmess’, Greca, opened in Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct in late 2018.