Nestled among the windswept dunes and tranquil streets of Amagansett, N.Y., The Roundtree boutique hotel is a destination known for its understated elegance and impeccable service. To make The Roundtree experience even more personal and luxe, they have added a new and exciting offering: a personal chef experience, curated by Chef Dewa Wijaya.
With a resume boasting international acclaim, Chef Dewa Wijaya is a true culinary visionary. Hailing from Indonesia and rigorously trained in the traditions of French cuisine, he brings a globally inspired palette to the Hamptons. His approach fuses the refinement of French technique with the bold, vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. This isn’t just fusion cooking; it’s a celebration of cultures woven together on a plate.
This past October, I had the pleasure of sitting down for an intimate dinner experience in the hotel’s elegant main house. Here, Chef Dewa welcomed us for a curated 10-course Indonesian tasting menu, a feast inspired by his home country. While a menu of this magnitude might overwhelm most diners, every course was crafted with a focus on freshness, balance, and nourishment, leaving us energized rather than overfilled. The meal began with a delicate chicken soup, brimming with complexity and comfort.
Local, farm-to-table vegetables, free-range eggs, and aromatic spices danced together in each spoonful, setting a restorative, cozy tone for the evening. Next, we were treated to melt-in-your-mouth chicken skewers in a fragrant and rich peanut sauce. Each subsequent course built upon the last, showcasing Chef Dewa’s deft hand with flavor and texture. But the true showstopper—the dish I’ll be dreaming about for the foreseeable future—was the Be Sampi Menuatnyat. This Balinese-style beef was slow-braised for 6 hours until impossibly tender. It was a symphony of spices and technique that showcased the true range of Chef Dewa’s skill.
The Roundtree’s personal chef experience is not your typical “room service.” It’s a bespoke adventure. Upon booking, guests are invited to collaborate directly with Chef Dewa to craft a custom menu, ensuring dietary preferences and favorite cuisines are honored. The process feels intimate and intentional, Chef Dewa listens and interprets your culinary dreams into reality. The Roundtree offers dining in their main house or in the comfort of your cottage, if you prefer a private night in. The entire experience had us feeling less like hotel guests and more like private clients. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Chef Dewa’s residency is its reach beyond The Roundtree’s serene grounds. Guests and non-guests can invite Chef Dewa into their own homes, whether in The Hamptons, New York City, or surrounding areas (like, say, here in Connecticut). Imagine hosting a dinner party in your home with a menu designed and executed by an internationally celebrated chef. This unique extension of the personal chef experience brings the same level of care, creativity, and expertise to private kitchens across the region.
Whether you’re a local craving inspiration or a visitor seeking unforgettable hospitality, The Roundtree’s partnership with Chef Dewa Wijaya sets a new standard for luxury and personalization. In an area known for its world-class beaches and vibrant arts scene, The Roundtree stands out by redefining what boutique hospitality can be. The personal chef experience is a testament to the hotel’s dedication to exceeding expectations and creating moments that linger long after the last bite. For those seeking a stay that nourishes both body and soul, Chef Dewa’s residency is not to be missed.
To learn more, visit theroundtreehotels.com