Hilton names John Buenaventura as Executive Chef at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
Award-winning Chef John Buenaventura has been named Executive Chef of the newly opened Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
The 35-year-old Filipino takes the prestigious position following senior culinary roles with Hilton and other hospitality brands throughout the UAE.
Content contributor of multiple cookbooks and a recipient of countless awards throughout his 15-year professional career, Chef John, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to his new role.
As Executive Chef, he will oversee culinary operations at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island’s three vibrant bars and restaurants, including Osmo – Lounge and Bar, which overlooks Yas Bay, the outdoor dining venue Capila – Pool Bar and Grill and Graphos Social Kitchen, the property’s all day dining destination.
Chef John said: “To be appointed Executive Chef at the prestigious Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is undoubtedly a highlight in my career. I intend to make full use of my expertise in multiple cuisines to push the boundaries of food. I see Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island as not just a world class hotel, but a leading culinary destination in its own right.”
Trained at the Asian Institute of Management and the Center for Culinary Arts, Chef John began his career in the UAE as a Chef de Partie in 2007 and moved his way up the ranks through various hospitality groups. In 2016, Chef John decided it was time to open his own concept in Business Bay for a while, before returning to global hospitality chains.
In 2018, Hilton Group appointed Chef John as Executive Sous Chef at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre. He was then appointed Cluster Executive Chef at Cluster Hilton Al Seef with responsibility for three hotels in Dubai before making the move to Yas Island.
Chef John’s specialty is Mediterranean cuisine, and over the last few years, he has been spending his time re-discovering his heritage dishes. He is a driving force in developing not only Yas Island but Abu Dhabi’s culinary footprint, into an evolving culinary destination.
Chef John has won multiple nominations and awards from prestigious publications including What’s On, Time Out, BBC Good Food, Taste of Dubai and Illustrado, which has awarded him as one of the most influential Filipinos in the gulf for 3 years now.