Chef Ben Williamson steps away from Gerard’s Bistro
Chef Ben Williamson has stepped down from Gerard’s Bistro in Brisbane after six years heading the Middle Eastern restaurant in Fortitude Valley.
Williamson told the Courier Mail that “it was just time to do something fresh and new”.
“I’m leaving on good terms so in that respect it’s good, but it’s a strange feeling that I won’t be at Gerard’s again,” he said.
He has signalled plans to join a new restaurant project in Brisbane mid next year.
“It won’t be exactly the same but will have a lot of the same elements,” he said told the Courier Mail.
Gerard’s co-owner Johnny Moubarak described Williamson as a “brother” and said he was leaving on the best of terms.
“It’s been a great journey and it always has been, but I think the future is going to look great for both of us,” Moubarak said.
A search is on for a replacement with the restaurant looking interstate to fill the role.
“The problem with Brisbane is the pool (of chefs) is so small,” Moubarak said. “Ben’s shoes are quite big to fill, but that’s the fun part for me. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack.”
Sheridan Randall, 21st December 2018
