Yono Purnomo

Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by admin in Chefs

YONO’S at the Hampton Inn & Suites
25 Chapel
Albany, NY 12210
518-436-7747
www.yonosrestaurant.com

In 1971 flamboyant Chef Widjiono (Yono) Purnomo, a native of Jakarta, Indonesia and graduate of APN Academy Perhotelan Negara, Bandung, Indonesia, embarked on a circuitous career journey in the splendid dining rooms aboard the unparalleled SS Rotterdam, flagship of the Holland America Cruise Lines. Yono met his wife and partner, Donna a passenger on the SS Rotterdam in 1976. They carried on a fairy-tale, shipboard romance, married and settled in Albany, NY where Yono quickly found work in Albany’s most elegant dining rooms. When the opportunity to open his own restaurant came along, Certified Executive Chef Yono “jumped ship” from the dining room to the kitchen and has never looked back.

Chef Purnomo has expertly mastered the unique blending of exotic spices, soothing coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves and dragon-mouthed sambal, creating a unique, sophisticated, complex and layered cuisine. Yono has learned from the industries’ best and credits Certified Master Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt, culinary Dean of the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, NY for instilling within him the credo “To cook with your head, your heart and your hands” and to always willingly share your expertise.

Chef Purnomo has represented New York State in the American Seafood Challenge, a prestigious national competition held in New Orleans. He was selected as a member of the National Chefs Touring Program for the two year long Indonesian Festival, co-sponsored by Indonesian and American Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development and Travel and Tourism Departments. Chef Purnomo has been featured on the Today Show, and the TVFood Network and has presented his cuisine to sold out audiences at Manhattan’s famed James Beard House three times. Yono’s menu has been replicated for 7,000 of Cornell University’s students and faculty through their Cross Country Gourmet program. Chef Purnomo has won numerous “Best of Show” awards as well as Bronze, Silver and Gold medals through both National and International competitions. Chef Purnomo has represented the United States both individually and as captain of a three member USA team in the British Open Cookery Championship. Chef Purnomo, team manager, led the seven member New York State Culinary Team, Albany! to London for Hotelympia “La Parade des Chefs”, where the team garnered yet another international medal. Yono was featured as one of 28 guest chefs at the Eighth Annual James Beard Awards reception “Flavors of the Far East”, an Asian extravaganza for 1200 discerning guests.

Chef Purnomo strives to introduce his native culture as well as cuisine through cooking classes, demonstrations and lectures for schools, civic organizations, charities, as well as for fellow chefs. He is affiliated with more than 75 charitable and community service organizations.

Chef Purnomo is married to Donna, Co-owner of Yono’s Restaurant. They have two children: Dominick, 26 years old who now works with Yono and Donna in the business, and Alexondra, 24 years old, a teacher in Manhattan.

The following is a list of recipes by Yono Purnomo:

• Gingered Sweet Potato Casserole

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