Ahura Resorts is delighted to announce that Gregory Llewellyn has been appointed Executive Chef of the Fijian owned and multi award-winning Malolo Island Resort in Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago.
US-born Gregory has lived and worked in Sydney for almost a decade but began his cooking career in New York where he honed his skills at restaurants including Mix by Alain Ducasse. Highlights of his international career include his role as Chef de Cuisine at leading Puerto Rican restaurant, Marmalade, as well as his appointment as Executive Chef of Santa Monica’s Shutters On The Beach – one of Southern California’s premier beachfront dining destinations.
Gregory now joins Malolo Island Resort, from vibrant Sydney eatery, Wish Bone, which he co-owned and operated with friends; he was formerly Head Chef at Wildfire, owner/operator of Sydney’s The Gretz and 5-times “Hatted” restaurant Hartsyard.
Joining Gregory is his Australian wife, Naomi, and their three young children. He says he’s delighted to be moving to the Pacific island nation and is looking forward to discovering the local produce, new flavours and authentic Fijian dishes.
‘I’m excited to learn about local produce and ingredients from the crew and find ways to increase their presence on the Malolo menus. I’ve seen the kitchen garden and I’m keen to get involved with that. It’s a chef’s dream – having the ability to grow specific things for a menu idea you’ve got.’
He says sustainability is important.
‘I was trained to always cook with seasonal, local ingredients and to use the whole of the produce, whether it’s animal or vegetable. I’ll be doing that on Malolo.’
Malolo Island Resort, with its sandy beaches, abundant coral reefs, coconut palms and pristine turquoise waters, is a family favourite. Gregory says, ‘most of Malolo’s guests are of course, families with many multi-generational groups, so family style shared feasts could work really well.’
Diners at Treetops, Malolo’s signature restaurant catering for adult guests and children 13 years and over, will also enjoy Gregory’s fresh interpretation of island cuisine whether they choose from the a la carte menu or the daily chef’s specials.
Wherever guests choose to dine, Gregory says he’s keen to help them get the balance right.
‘I understand wanting to eat indulgently when you’re on holiday but I have three young kids and understand the need to feed them something healthy too like local fish, house made cured meats, or grilled flatbreads with lots of dips.’
Just like the families, couples and friends he’s keen to cook for on Malolo, Gregory is looking forward to spending time in his new island home.
‘We love Sydney, but with three young kids and two restaurants, our lives have been full throttle. My wife Naomi and I are really looking forward to a different pace, great weather, lots of swims and giving our kids some space and room to just be.’
Ahura Resorts Group General Manager, Steve Anstey says: ‘We’re very excited that Gregory will be taking the helm in the Malolo kitchens. His international experience, creativity and delight in taking top quality fresh produce and turning it into a feast for families and friends will add something extra special to the Malolo experience. We’re delighted to have him on board.’
.jpg){kind=tracking}
