A SENSE OF PLACE

There’s a new energy humming through the kitchen at Forest, Crystalbrook Byron’s acclaimed signature restaurant, ever since Executive Chef Tiffany Jones took the helm. Jones brings more than three decades of culinary experience and a deep respect for local producers, native ingredients, and honest, seasonal food. For those familiar with her work across some of Australia’s most respected dining institutions, this is a thrilling new chapter for both Forest and the Northern Rivers food scene.

Set amid 45 acres of lush subtropical rainforest and a stone’s throw from Tallow Beach, Crystalbrook Byron is grounded in its surroundings. Forest reflects that philosophy — a dining experience that is as much about place as it is about plate. With Jones at the helm, expect even greater attention to the region’s rhythm and bounty.

Executive Chef Tiffany Jones

“The menu will draw from what’s already here,” Jones says. “From the native plum emulsion on kangaroo carpaccio to the burnt honey we harvest right here on-site — the idea is for guests to taste Byron in every bite.”

Breakfast favourites include the Byron Bircher — a nourishing blend of local yoghurt, papaya and pineapple jam — while evening dishes lean into rich textures and bold local flavours. Think slow-roasted lamb shoulder with smoked fregola and green olive jus, or Bangalow Sweet Pork glazed in native peach with grilled cabbage and green apple. Dessert? That’s where Jones really shines — her eleven-layer chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream and house-collected honey is a must.

Beyond Forest, Jones is also reimagining the resort’s event catering. “Whether it’s a wedding under the stars or a business lunch in the rainforest, the food will tell the story of this place,” she says. General Manager Scott Ratcliffe agrees: “Tiffany brings a fresh perspective to everything from conferences to celebrations — it’s going to be a game changer.”

With past credits including Zumbo’s Just Desserts, The Great Australian Bake Off, and China Eastern Airlines’ first-class menus, Tiffany Jones brings precision, creativity and warmth to every service. But at Crystalbrook Byron, it’s more personal. “There’s something special about cooking where you can smell the salt air and hear the forest while you cook,” she says.

Forest, under Tiffany’s leadership, isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an invitation to eat like a local, in a place that’s anything but ordinary.

crystalbrookcollection.com/byron/forest