Joey Tababa - Executive Chef

Joey started his commercial cookery apprenticeship with Atlantic Restaurant in St Kilda. He spent the first year and a half of his apprenticeship training in this Modern Mediterranean inspired restaurant under Jonathan Alston, current chef/owner Scusami Ristorante.

Joey spent the second year of his apprenticeship working at the Italian restaurant Il Bacaro on little Collins street, and continued the third year of his apprenticeship at Bluestone in Melbourne CBD, a modern Australian restaurant with French influence.

Now a qualified Chef, Joey again worked in partnership with executive Chef Jonathan Alston, working at Fed Restaurant (Federation Square) for a year and a half.

Since late 2004 Joey has been working alongside Jonathan as head chef at Scusami. During his time working as head chef, the restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades, most notably One Chef’s Hat in 2005 — 2007. Scusami offers an amazing fine dining experience, one that combines both traditional and modern Italian cuisine in flawless juxtaposition.

Born in the Philippines, Joey came to Australia at just thirteen years of age with his family, and while he draws some influence from his heritage, most of his passion for food and cookery is inspired by the quality of the local produce in Melbourne.

As head chef Joey is able to explore his passion for fresh produce more extensively than in any professional position so far, as Scusami uses nothing but the finest quality produce in all dishes.

Joey’s passion for produce and creative flair has driven his career thus far, and while he continues to enjoy the challenge that working for Scusami provides, he hopes that one day in the distant future he has the opportunity to own and run his own restaurant.

In 2006 Joey was approached by the Pilipino television network ABS CBN to participate in a series on featuring himself, a successful Pilipino Chef working in Australia. The program explored Joey’s role as Scusami as Head Chef, and aired recently to rave reviews.

Scusami’s regular clientele speaks volumes about the quality of the cuisine and Joey and Jonathan’s immense talent. Joey owes much of his success to Jonathan, whom he considers a mentor and a great motivation.