Our Team
Brandon Near
Senior Chef de Cuisine
As Senior Chef de Cuisine, Chef Brandon Near brings a strong sense of community to the culinary experience at Water’s Table. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, his cooking is guided by the seasons, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and transforming them into dishes that feel familiar, comforting, and inviting.
His style centers on elevated, approachable comfort flavors that resonate with guests while offering a refined, thoughtful touch. From local seafood to carefully sourced meats, each dish is designed to be both satisfying and memorable without losing its sense of ease.
Chef Near also leads the restaurant’s culinary programming for special events, creating everything from festive holiday spreads to intimate wine dinners, all rooted in seasonality and a welcoming, guest-focused approach.
With more than 20 years of experience, Chef Near began his career in a Renton neighborhood pizza kitchen before studying in the Culinary Arts program at Renton Technical College. He has since worked in kitchens across the region, developing a strong foundation in American and French cuisine. His style is thoughtful and refined, yet grounded in simplicity, focusing on creating dishes that feel both comforting and effortlessly approachable.
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.