Jeremy Lebeuf

Feature Writer

Popular Port Douglas restaurant, Melaleuca has once again been recognised as among the best in Australia.

Melaleuca is licking their lips after being awarded a prestigious Chef’s Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide 2021 for a second consecutive year.
  
Head Chef and owner of Melaleuca, Adam Ion said winning for a second year in a row is absolutely fantastic news, and with everything going on this year it was quite a surprise.

“From a chef’s point of view this award means a lot, it’s been a dream of mine to win it - and to win twice with my own venue is an absolutely outstanding feeling.

“All the hard work is paying off, it’s a credit to the team and those who have been here from the beginning,” he said. 

The Scottish-born Ion has many accolades to be proud of and rates this the most exciting award for a chef from overseas, it is special to be in the company of the pinnacle of culinary excellence in Australia.

The Chef Hat awards are based on six different attributes by the Good Food Guide Australia, focused solely on the food.

Anonymous Australian Good Food Guide inspectors, chosen for their qualifications and experience, judge each restaurant based on the quality of ingredients, taste, technique, value and consistency.

With fresh produce alongside locally sourced ingredients unearthed by the Melaleuca culinary team, this award-winning eatery showcases the quality of the produce with artistic flair.

“Local produce all the way through the menu, being consistent, using local and fresh ingredients is especially important, as well as being creative on the plate.

“That’s what we do, we keep it simple, let the ingredients speak for themselves – that’s always been my motto when cooking, it seems to go along way – we don’t want to over complicate anything at Melaleuca,” said Mr Ion.