Penrith’s Marcel Bar & Bistro has announced John Giovanni Pugliano as its new executive chef.
He was chef de partie at London’s Nobu in the early 2000s, before holding executive chef positions at Langham’s Eaton Hotel in Hong Kong, and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in the UAE. In 2021, after moving to Australia in 2019, he became executive chef at Swissotel Sydney.
Now, Pugliano will lead the operations of Marcel, the modern European bistro in Penrith’s five-star Pullman Sydney. The restaurant opened in August 2023 with a focus on sourcing ingredients from local Western Sydney producers to create its modern European menu.
Marcel’s name and Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic pay homage to iconic modernist designer Marcel Breur, whose only Australian project – the Torin Factory building – stands just a few kilometres away from the restaurant. The restaurant features a traditional main dining room, a bar, and a private dining room.
“Penrith is a growing hotspot and the Pullman Sydney Penrith is already establishing itself as a destination for foodies and staycationers alike,” says Pugliano.
Set menus start at $95 per person, with options including ceviche with citrus dressing, fennel, black olives, capers, tomato, and herbs; a half lamb shoulder, or Pinnacle rib eye steak MB2+ on the bone; and limoncello tiramisu with lemon curd mascarpone, Savoiardi biscuits, and candied lemon.
Pugliano will also update the culinary offering for conference and events guests at the Western Sydney Convention Centre.
