Acclaimed chef bounces back after financial failure

It hasn't taken long for chef James Viles to bounce back after his much-acclaimed Biota Dining eatery failed financially.

The Bowral two-hat restaurant was weighed down with liabilities of $761,708 and had just $698 in the bank when it slipped into liquidation a couple of months ago.

Viles, however, is now the new executive chef at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley, the ultra-luxe, conservation-based resort in the Greater Blue Mountains.

Viles has worked alongside chefs including two-star Michelin chef Hans Haas of Tantris in Munich and Alain Ducasse at Spoon in Hong Kong.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with the talented James Viles to introduce exciting new menus and food adventures at the resort,” said Tim Stanhope, general manager of Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley.

“Our shared vision is for Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley to be recognised as one of Australia’s culinary must-visit destinations, for local and international guests alike.”

Viles opened Biota Dining in Bowral in 2011. The restaurant was named Regional Restaurant of the Year in 2014 and 2015 in the Good Food Guide and held its two-hat status for eight years.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley,” Viles said in a press release that completely ignored the implosion of Biota Dining.

“I’m overjoyed to be doing what I love, which is creating beautiful, authentic food and exciting dining experiences for guests. The resort’s passion for sustainability is something that I share, and I’m looking forward to working with some of Australia’s best regional producers and artisans in and around the Blue Mountains.”

For reservations or more information about Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com/wolgan-valley