Our Team
Brandon Near
Senior Chef de cuisine
As senior chef de cuisine, Chef Near plans to implement his vision of the breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch program at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, in particular taking a hyperlocal approach at Water’s Table by focusing heavily on local seafood, as well as introducing farm-raised beef, lamb and duck items to the menu. In addition, he will run the culinary programming for upcoming special events, including holiday buffets and wine dinners.
Chef Near brings 20 years of experience to Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. His culinary career started early, taking his first job in the kitchen at a pizza restaurant during high school, followed by a decision to attend the Renton Technical School of Culinary Arts. Since then, he has worked all over the city perfecting his craft, including cuisines such as American, French, pan-Asian, smoking meats, and barbecue, in the process gaining a unique blend of skills and an understanding of culinary diversity.
Amy Tung
Sous Chef-Pastry
Chef Amy brings over 12 years of experience at Hyatt, having honed her craft across three properties. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Amy believes the best learning comes from hands-on experience, and her career has taken her to diverse locations, including Disney World, Taiwan, and multiple states.
Her passion for exploring global cultures is evident in her desserts, where she discovers both unique differences and unexpected similarities in flavors. Specializing in Asian fusion cuisine, Amy is known for introducing lesser-known ingredients such as Yuzu and Black Sesame, which she skillfully incorporates into creations that both surprise and delight. Among her favorites are a tangy Yuzu Tart and bold, Black Sesame-inspired treats, both of which have recently featured on our menus.
Amy takes joy in elevating classic dishes and nostalgic childhood favorites, adding her signature whimsical touch to their taste or presentation. Always pushing boundaries, she masterfully blends flavors to spark curiosity and excitement, creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.