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THE anticipated re-launch of Zinc Restaurant and Lounge Bar is gaining momentum with the appointment of award winning chef Adam Weck as head chef.

The culinary wizard has run kitchens from Japan to the Kimberley’s, and most recently helped another Port Douglas favourite, 2 Fish, achieve consecutive national awards for the best seafood restaurant in Australia.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Weck admitted the buzz surrounding the re-opening of Zinc, a Port Douglas institution for 13 years, was palpable.

Under owners Chris and Dani Bower, he intends to give patrons ‘a new level’ of the energy and excitement guests are so accustomed to inside the iconic establishment.

“People are watching and waiting for Zinc to return, and as a head chef that’s really exciting,” he said.

“We are focusing on getting the best produce we can and keeping it simple is key. We don’t want to interfere too much with an already perfect product. The main ingredient of the dish will be the star and it will be done well, done right.”

New owner Chris Bower, who has been putting in a power of work renovating the venue, said they were thrilled to have secured Weck.

“We are over the moon to have Adam on board. He’s really great to work with, really creative and does some amazing things in the kitchen,” he said.

“He’s great at controlling his kitchen and leading a team, and thrives on a challenge.

“We’re thrilled to have him.”

The Macrossan Street restaurant is set to retain the soul of the ‘old Zinc’, but with a complete regeneration of ideas.

All staff, from the cocktail waiters to the sous chef, will be new, and customers will notice immediate changes when it opens in May.

Chris said his team were eager to showcase their ‘own spin’ on the place.

“Zinc has been an institution in Port Douglas, it’s very open plan, very tropical, and it has a fantastic feel throughout. Keeping on trend, fresh and reinventing yourself is very important in this industry,” he explains.

“So now, after 13 years, we’re super excited to be making that change, bringing in some fresh blood, a new way of doing things, and upping the momentum a lot.

“The hype around town is quite high and people are eager to know what is going on, and we can’t wait to swing the doors open.”


* Zinc Restaurant and Lounge Bar is expected to open in May. Keep an eye on the Zinc Facebook page for more updates.

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