Chef Sawyere heads back to Switzerland

The whereabouts of chef Dietmar Sawyere have been sketchy since his restaurant group ran into trouble in 2012.

Sawyere, who lost Berowra Waters Inn and Ad Lib Bistro in the wash-up, briefly joined Hayman Island as the rather fancy-sounding director of restaurants before deciding the island life wasn't for him.

Last time we spoke with Sawyere, he was mulling over some local offers as a restaurant consultant. Then there were rumours of a job offer in south-east Asia, where he'd worked before coming to Australia more than 20 years ago.

Sawyere is employed again, but back in his native Switzerland. A creditor of Sawyere's Sydney restaurants has tipped off Short Black that the chef can be found at Zurich's cool Widder Hotel.

The Widder website offers a detailed account of Sawyere's career, including his young chef of the year award in England in 1982, and his lengthy run at Forty One, Sydney. Not surprisingly, it doesn't mention the financial derailing of his Sydney run.

The keen skier is again close to the mountains and his command of English, German and French will no doubt be put to good use as the new head of the Widder's kitchen.