Meet Jonah’s Executive Chef Rey Ambas
April 18, 2024
Born in the Philippines, Rey is a local talent having trained and lived in the Northern Beaches for the last 25 years. His impressive career includes awards such as Best Apprentice Chef and winning the CIRA Young Chefs Talent in 2015. Developing his skills at acclaimed Aqua dining at Milsons Point and the Pilu group for 10 years. Joining Jonah’s post COVID and now stepping from the Head Chef role into Executive Chef, bringing passion for flavour and quality ingredients to our menu.
Rey started his career with an apprenticeship at Aqua Dining at Milsons Point. Studying at TAFE Brookvale he completed his education with a couple of awards to his name including Best Apprentice Chef.
“I didn’t imagine my name being written on a trophy that proudly sits at Brookvale TAFE for everyone to see! I was also nominated for my workmanship and commitment to my apprenticeship and was chosen to receive the Apprentice Award from Belrose Rotary Club. This got me more motivated to pursue this amazing industry.”
Working under three different Head Chefs during his time at Pilu, Freshwater, helped mould Rey to the chef he is today. He credits cooking next to the hardest working chefs he has ever met for the values he carries, making him a strong leader for his team. Having also worked at Pilu Akuna Bay and becoming Head Chef at Pilu’s AcquaFresca when it opened in 2018.
Moving to the Head Chef role at Jonah’s post COVID and now proudly appointed to the Executive Chef position. Jonah’s management have great trust in Rey’s abilities to create the incredible menus that Jonah’s is well known for, and for being able to lead his team to create the best food experience for every guest.
Rey’s passion for food grew while traveling through Italy experiencing Michelin star restaurants such as “Antica Corte Palavicina”, giving him a love for Italian cuisine and helping to shape his food philosophy: Use exceptional ingredients that speak for themselves, sticking to classic, traditional flavours with a modern Italian twist.
Visit Jonah’s to enjoy the food that, under Rey’s direction, is some of the best food Jonah’s has ever produced.
