PERTH, Australia – The soon-to-open Quay Perth hotel, on the vibrant Elizabeth Quay, is already firing things up in the kitchen with the appointment of executive chef Jay Tesorero and director of F&B, Derek Walsh. The duo will work together on the hotel’s two new dining outlets and event spaces – HQ Bar & Kitchen and Community at Quay. The hotel is set to open this month.
The passionate culinary experts have over three decades of combined experience in the industry. Walsh began his career at a local pub in his native Ireland. After running two different restaurants and bars there, he relocated to Australia in 2012 for a job with Novotel Perth Langley where he worked his way up from a restaurant & bar attendant to food & beverage manager, managing a team of 65 staff. He held the position for two years before moving to Quay Perth.
“I’m really excited to be bringing a unique rooftop venue to the Perth market in the form of HQ Bar & Kitchen. With a focus on limited edition wines and hand-crafted cocktails, while boasting the best views in the city,” said Walsh. “Jay and the team have developed a unique Asian fusion sharing style menu, with really interesting twists on some traditional favorites. We can’t wait for the people of Perth to experience it.”
Executive chef Tesorero also received his culinary start abroad having been born and raised in the Philippines. Over the years, and before coming to Australia, he has refined his skills in several hotels, including Discovery Suites and Edsa Shangri-la Hotel (both in Manila). He moved to Australia in 2007 and joined Mercure Hotel Continental Broome as executive chef, after his time in Broome he took on his first chef de cuisine role at Novotel Perth Langley. His most recent role was as head chef at the award-winning Drift Kitchen, a contemporary all-day dining restaurant by one of Perth’s most popular beaches.
“I see this as a great opportunity to share and showcase my passion towards food in a premiere venue,” said Tesorero. “Elizabeth Quay is transforming into an F&B hotspot and through Quay Perth, we’re going to continue to put this location at the forefront of the city’s culinary scene.”