Melbourne, May 2008... Grand Hyatt Melbourne's General Manager, David Mansfield is delighted to announce that Jason Camillo has been appointed Grand Hyatt Melbourne's new executive sous chef.

In 2006, Jason was named South Australian Chef of the Year by the state's Restaurant and Catering Association in their annual Awards for Excellence. He has also been awarded accolades by the prestigious Les Chaine des Rotisseurs and Les Toque Blanches as well as winning the national award for best mushroom menu in the Mushroom Mania competition.

Jason will be responsible for Grand Hyatt Melbourne's yet-to-be-named restaurant which is scheduled to open in November 2008. He will also be responsible for the hotel's room service menu.

In addition to his numerous awards, Jason's career highlights include cooking for the Queen of England, former Prime Minister John Howard and former U.S. President, Bill Clinton.

Jason began his culinary career with Hyatt Regency Adelaide as an apprentice close to 14 years ago. He has also spent time working at Park Hyatt Melbourne, Park Hyatt Sydney and the Adelaide Festival Centre.

Jason is renowned for his creative menus, personable nature, passion for cooking and he is currently the reigning "Iron Chef," having won all four challenges to date. He is also committed to sharing knowledge and training young chefs. In 2007, he participated in a revolutionary program called Dreams to Reality in which young South Australians were given the chance to become an apprentice chef.

Originally from the Barossa Valley, Jason is dedicated to using only the best local produce. This devotion ensures that each menu he designs offers outstanding quality. Jason comments, "growing up in the Barossa Valley, I have a special appreciation for locally grown produce. I am looking forward to exploring Melbourne's markets and local suppliers."

Currently, the venue that Jason will be working in is being transformed from the previous, well-loved Plane Tree Cafe into a contemporary dining icon of Collins Street.

The restaurant will feature an all day bar and bistro, dishes made to order, a display kitchen that guests may enter, an abundance of natural light and a variety of dining areas including banquette seating overlooking Russell Street. The restaurant will also feature two private dining rooms as well as a relaxing lounge area.

The hotel's redevelopment is on schedule and the hotel's new lobbies, entrances, restaurant and bar will be unveiled from October 2008 onwards.