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About

Jordan Tawnell Monkhouse

Jordan's culinary journey was shaped by his childhood on a family farm, where he developed a deep appreciation for exceptional food. As he sat at the kitchen counter watching his Mum cook some incredible delights, he was captivated by the culinary world, which ultimately led him to pursue his dream of becoming a chef.

From a young age, Jordan's ambition to become a chef burned brightly. At the age of fourteen, he embarked on a cooking apprenticeship, immersing himself in the trade and honing his skills over the next three years. This formative period allowed him to master the art of cooking, organization, and most importantly, cultivate a genuine love for his craft.

His passion for cooking stems from the thrill and challenge it brings every day. Stepping into the kitchen fills him with a rush of excitement and a sense of purpose. Jordan's upbringing, particularly the influence of his family's farm, instilled in him a commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in his culinary creations. He is dedicated to crafting honest and satisfying meals, where the artistry on the plate reflects his deep-rooted passion.

Jordan's academic years held little appeal for him, and he yearned to dive into the real world to gain hands-on experience. Today, with over thirteen years in the industry, he finds himself at the helm of an extraordinary establishment, supported by his cherished family and esteemed colleagues.

When it comes to food, Jordan is most excited about incorporating locally sourced, homegrown produce into his dishes. Hailing from a farm in Perth, he holds a deep-seated passion for utilizing ingredients that support the local community. He takes pride in sharing the narrative of the produce on the plate—the origin and the hands that nurtured it—transforming each meal into a meaningful experience.

Garden State Hotel & Tippy Tay 

Australian Venue Company 

2023 - Current

Hellenic Republic Brighton 

MAdE Establishement 

Head Chef

Hyatt Centric Melbourne 

Director of Culinary

Crown Limited Melbourne 

Chef de Cuisine 

Woolshed Restaurant & Events  Melbourne

Senior Head Chef

Accolades

Awards

Achievements 

  • 2022 TAA Chef of the Year Finalist

  • 2022 TAA Best New Restaurant of the Year Finalist

  • 2021 Appointed Director of Culianry of Hyatt Centric Melbourne

  • 2022 Hyatt Centric Melbourne Best Luxury Hotel of the Year

  • 2021 Appointed Executive Chef of Hyatt Centric Melbourne

  • 2019 Appointed Chef de Cuisine at Merrywell Rooftop @ Crown Melbourne

  • 2019 AHA Chef of the Year Finalist

  • 2016 Appetite for Excellence National Finalist

  • 2016 Gault & Millau Potentialist of the Year Finalist