Shaun Presland has re-joined Rockpool Dining Group as Saké group executive chef and resident chef at Saké The Rocks.
Presland was a member of the launch team of the first Saké Restaurant & Bar in The Rocks in 2008 and oversaw the broader group of Saké restaurants in Double Bay, Hamer Hall in Melbourne and Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane.
Rockpool Dining Group Chief Executive Officer Thomas Pash said the seven years Presland spent with Saké means he has a deep connection with, and an understanding of, the group.
“Shaun is one of Australia’s most esteemed contemporary Japanese chefs and we’re looking forward to tapping back in to his extensive Japanese culinary skills and knowledge of the craft,” said Pash.
“It’s great to have him back on board. He will play a fundamental role in taking the Saké brand to the next level and its expansion to new markets.”
Presland joins the group, effective immediately, to lead culinary vision, innovation and execution for the whole Saké brand.
Shaun will start work with Saké The Rocks head chef Richard Slarp and team on some new menu items, which will be introduced in coming weeks.
“Saké feels like home and I’m looking forward to taking the inspiration from my recent travels and applying it to some new dishes for the Saké fleet,” said Presland.
Prior to his appointment, Shaun spent time in New York, London and Tokyo where he won the silver prize at the Washoku World Challenge 2016.