Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2022
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Current

Employment History

• Bebabel, Bahrain; Phoenix One Café, Bahrain; Gulf Catering Company, Iraq; Linas Café Paris, Lebanon; TSC Signature, Lebanon

Education

• Bachelor Degree in Hospitality, AUL University, Lebanon; Hotel Management, Foyer de l’amitee, Lebanon

Birthplace

• Zahle, Lebanon

Languages Spoken

• English, Arabic, French

Chef Tony El Khoury has spent the last twelve years honing his Arabic and Lebanese culinary skills, working for various acclaimed restaurants in Lebanon, Iraq and Bahrain. He cites his experience working for Bebabel as being particularly productive as he was able to develop his passion for reinventing classic Lebanese dishes.

Using unusual combinations of ingredients, herbs and spices, he is reimagining Arabic and Lebanese dishes. “I like to add a twist to traditional dishes, creating a fusion of spice led dishes, with an emphasis on flavour. I believe great cooking comes from the heart.”

Coming from a family of chefs, the seeds of cooking were planted in him from an early age when he learned the craft at his father and grandfathers’ Lebanese restaurant. “I was excited to understand the different textures and flavours of Lebanese cuisine and it was a great joy to watch them prepare authentic mezze dishes,” he reminisces. “It’s an incredible food culture that brings people together. This is what makes food so profound, it is at the centre of all cultures and families and is the reason why I pursued a career as a chef.”

As Oriental Speciality Chef, El Khoury is responsible for the Arabic cuisine within the culinary department. It is his responsibility to ensure only the highest quality of food for guests through consistency, taste, imagination and presentation. He is thrilled to be working for Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. “It’s what I have always aspired to, to work for one of the most admired hotel groups in the world. It is wonderful to be part of a team that strives for excellence and to work with chefs who have culinary experience from all over the world.”

His intention at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is to preserve the tradition of classic Arabic dishes while elevating them through the introduction of new techniques and flavours.

He likes to play basketball in his spare time and socialise with friends. Listening to music helps him to relax.