Two of South Australia’s top chefs are leaving their restaurants this month, with each hinting at exciting new ventures on the horizon. Justin James will leave his role at Restaurant Botanic, while Tom Tilbury will finish up at Aces in Chinatown. Both chefs have revealed their intentions to embark on ventures of their own.
Justin James served as they Executive Chef at Restaurant Botanic for a successful three years. Originally from the United States, James has an impressive background in the food world. His journey includes training under renowned chefs in France, and working at prestigious American establishments, such as Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Eleven Madison Park.
His Australian stint began at Vue de Monde in Melbourne, where he grew from Commis to Executive Chef, before briefly moving to Denmark’s acclaimed Noma. When he returned back to Melbourne, he resumed leadership at Vue de Monde, before moving to Adelaide to lead the Botanic Restaurant.
As the head of the Botanic Restaurant, he has shaped the kitchen into one of the country’s top dining destinations, renowned for its innovative use of local produce and flora. While James has been tight-lipped about his next steps from here, he has alluded to plans to branch out and launch his own dining venue.
With his departure officially at the end of this month, Restaurant Botanic has announced Jamie Musgrave as the new Executive Chef. Jamie has worked alongside Justin James since 2021, contributing significantly to the restaurant’s success over the past three years.
Next up to make his move is Tom Tilbury, the Culinary Director behind Aces Chinatown and founder of Gather Food Experiences. Known for his dedication to Italian cuisine and his careful sourcing of local ingredients, Tilbury was instrumental in the successful launch of Aces earlier this year.
Under Tilbury’s leadership, Aces underwent a major transformation, evolving from its original ‘pizza bar’ concept to an elevated dining experience, while still maintaining the lively, communal atmosphere it’s known for. His menu showcases Italian flavours, featuring dishes like delicious arancini and meatballs, and quickly captured the hearts of diners in Adelaide’s Chinatown.
While Tilbury’s next venture remains unconfirmed, he has hinted at upcoming projects, alluding too a “permanent base in the city and a restaurant” that will bring him closer to his Gather Food Experiences.
Tilbury posted to his Facebook saying: “Grateful to the Aces team for an incredible journey. Joining to help launch this space, I found myself inspired by the amazing team assembled.
“As my part concludes, I’ve passed the baton on to chef Kate, the new Head Chef at Aces. Kate, it’s been a joy working alongside you and witnessing you step into this role. I’m excited to cheer you and the Aces team on from afar.
“As one chapter ends, I look forward to sharing news of the next: a permanent base in the city and a restaurant that brings me closer to my Gather Food Experiences roots. Stay tuned.”
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