Damien Pignolet will return to Bistro Moncur in Woollahra as culinary ambassador from 1 June.
The founding chef will take on a number of roles within the restaurant including mentoring chefs and front of house, spearheading innovation, developing menus and attending the venue’s events throughout the year.
“It is a tremendous honour to be back at Bistro Moncur,” says 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.”
The iconic chef opened Bistro Moncur at The Woollahra Hotel in 1993, but later sold the business in 2011 after the death of business partner Ron White.
“Damien Pignolet’s contribution to Bistro Moncur has been, and continues to be, a significant part of our legacy,” says Mitchell Waugh, CEO of Public House Group.
“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.”