QT Wellington has appointed a new chef at Hippopotamus, after saying farewell to Chef Laurent Loudeac who worked there as executive chef for almost eleven years.
Chef Jiwon Do is taking Loudeac’s place in the kitchen. Born and raised in Korea, after living and working in Wellington for the last eleven years.“I’m hugely excited to accept the executive chef position at Hippopotamus, it is a dream come true to follow in Laurent’s footsteps as well as a little nerve-racking. I’m looking forward to working with QT Museum Wellington and adding my own style to the menu in the coming months,” Do said.
Chef Do previously worked at Hippopotamus from 2008 to 2013. He has picked up multiple culinary awards in New Zealand and Korea and even competed for Korea’s national WorldSkills Olympic team in the Culinary Arts discipline.
“I come from a family of five generations working in hospitality, it is in my blood, and I love every minute of it. This heritage and passion have influenced my philosophy as a chef, and I believe that when dining out it should always be about enjoyment and making people feel happy. That’s what I strive for.”
QT Wellington’s General Manager, Garth Solly said, “To have a Hippopotamus alumnus return and take over as the hotel’s executive chef is something we are proud of, QT Wellington warmly welcomes Jiwon.
Laurent Loudeac worked as executive chef at Hippopotamus for eleven years.
Departing chef Laurent Loudeac also left some kind words for his successor. “He’s an incredibly hard worker and a very talented chef. I’d like to think that working for me has influenced some of his fine culinary skills. I certainly wish him and Hippopotamus all the best.”
