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Culinary Stars 2025

Meet Our JW Marriott International Guest Chefs

Wallace Mua. Executive Chef, JW Marriott Auckland

Wallace Mua

Executive Chef, JW Marriott Auckland
Wallace Mua. Executive Chef, JW Marriott Auckland

Wallace Mua

Executive Chef, JW Marriott Auckland
Chef Wallace Mua brings over 20 years of culinary experience to Trivet, shaped by formative roles across New Zealand, France and beyond. His career includes leading acclaimed kitchens such as Fish at Hilton
and Kingi, as well as serving as private chef to the All Blacks during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Mua's cuisine balances New Zealand's seasonal produce with global influences, creating approachable yet elevated dishes that celebrate flavour, balance and innovation.
Mehmet Faruk Yardimci. Executive Chef, JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea

Mehmet Faruk Yardimci

Executive Chef, JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea
Mehmet Faruk Yardimci. Executive Chef, JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea

Mehmet Faruk Yardimci

Executive Chef, JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea
Mehmet Faruk Yardımcı, Executive Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea, brings over 16 years of culinary leadership within Marriott International. His career spans
world-renowned brands including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and The Edition, across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Recognised for his award-winning brunch concept in Abu Dhabi, Yardımcı also serves on the Culinary Advisory Board for Luxury Brands in Europe, Middle East and Africa, shaping innovative dining experiences
across Marriott Hotels.
James Paul Lorenzo. Chef de Cuisine, JW Marriott Hanoi

James Paul Lorenzo

Chef de Cuisine, JW Marriott Hanoi
James Paul Lorenzo. Chef de Cuisine, JW Marriott Hanoi

James Paul Lorenzo

Chef de Cuisine, JW Marriott Hanoi
Philippines-born James Paul Lorenzo brings over 16 years of international experience to Kumihimo Modern Japanese. His career spans acclaimed restaurants in Jakarta, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Vietnam, shaped by a
passion for creativity and innovation discovered early in his journey. Lorenzo's approach to fusion cuisine celebrates seasonal local ingredients while blending global culinary traditions, resulting in distinctive dishes
that balance tradition and modernity. At Kumihimo, he leads the next chapter of the dining experience with a menu that is adventurous, refined, and unforgettable.
Paul Smart. Executive Chef, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Paul Smart

Executive Chef, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Paul Smart. Executive Chef, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Paul Smart

Executive Chef, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Since joining JW Marriott Gold Coast & Spa, Paul Smart has provided creativity and expertise in exceptional cuisine, whilst also championing the local environment. Sourcing seasonal ingredients to create sophisticated menus that experiment with flavour and celebrate produce from land and sea, he has seen the resorts signature Restaurant, Citrique awarded an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat for two consecutive years. Creator of the Culinary Stars event, Paul has worked in some of the World's top restaurants across three continents achieving multiple awards and accolades, including winner of the Iron Chef Thailand TV program.
Selva Gopalakrishna. Executive Sous Chef, JW Marriott Gold Coast

Selva Gopalakrishnan

Executive Sous Chef, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Selva Gopalakrishna. Executive Sous Chef, JW Marriott Gold Coast

Selva Gopalakrishnan

Executive Sous Chef, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Selva Gopalakrishnan is a highly experienced and passionate chef with expertise in authentic Indian cuisine. With over 25 years in hospitality, he has cooked various regional Indian dishes and has a talent for blending traditional flavours with modern techniques. Selva has worked at luxury hotels and resorts, opened Indian restaurants in the US, and gained experience in Western cuisine in the Caribbean. Currently specialising in personalised menus for cultural weddings, he has received awards and recognition throughout his career, including Chef of the Year.

Culinary Stars Showcase - Fourth Edition

Experience a gastronomic journey with our Culinary Masters.

 

Led by Executive Chef Paul Smart, the fully immersive gastronomic journey with our Culinary Masters showcased a series of experiential degustation dinners inspired by the fundamentals; Root, Leaf, Flower & Fruit from Monday, 10 November 2025 to Thursday, 13 November 2025. 

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa's award-winning culinary team, together with distinguished guest chefs from JW Marriott's best restaurants across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia, come together to recreate their signature dishes, showcasing renowned regional produce through their unique techniques and expertise. In support of the Gold Coast Community Fund, join us on a celebration of culinary art.

Join Citrique, as we celebrate a true representation of culinary art!