Story by Andy Ratcliff. Attain him andrewjohn@me.com
Images: Nikki To (equipped) Christopher Pearce (Bar Awards)
Matty Opai is the Bar Supervisor of Icebergs Eating Room in Bondi. Probably essentially the most iconic restaurant within the nation with sweeping views of our most well-known seaside. When you’ve met Matty, you’ll always remember him. A large amongst males with a smile to match, he has cast his profession by means of a pleasant and skillful strategy to serving his visitors. After 9 years at Icebergs, he not too long ago received bar supervisor of the yr on the Australian Bartender Journal Bar Awards.
The place did you get your begin within the business?
Again residence in New Zealand, hospitality wasn’t my factor. However after I had an opportunity for a three-month vacation in Australia, I landed a kitchen gig at Northies in Cronulla, washing dishes for the summer season. I arrived in December, planning to move again in March with a newfound appreciation for all times.
I climbed up the kitchen ladder, realizing I used to be higher at crafting pizza, pasta, and salads than scrubbing plates. The supervisor supplied me further hours as a glassy, and I discovered pleasure in carrying glasses, competing to carry as many as attainable, all whereas having a blast. Inside eighteen months, I grew to become one of many obligation managers.
After a change in possession, I took a break and landed a job on the Rum Diaries in Bondi, however it wasn’t my vibe. Fortunately, a buddy hooked me up as a barback at Icebergs. These preliminary shifts blew my thoughts! I hadn’t anticipated the extent of distinction and the idea that the extra you study, the much less . It was probably the greatest summers of my life.
You’ve made some nice drinks through the years, how did you study your craft?
As a barback, I’d accumulate each spec from each menu and plaster them on the scullery wall. I’ve bought an honest reminiscence, however I’d learn and re-read these specs each probability I bought.
This yr marks your ninth yr at Icebergs. What has it been wish to see the venue evolve through the years?
I’ve seen some severe characters through the years however because of the transient way of life in Bondi, we will flip over round eighty casuals a yr. It’s heartbreaking not having the ability to sponsor all these extremely proficient folks that work with us however I’ve cast some nice relationships and I’ll all the time have a spot to remain after I’m in Europe.
Do you’ve got a mentor that has helped you thru the years?
Oh yeah! Lenny Opai, my cousin. I don’t need to give him extra of an ego enhance (and you may print that!) however he’s taught me every thing I do know. We butt heads continuously however we’re good collectively and it’s labored effectively. He used to work on the Bayswater Brasserie again within the day and has skilled a number of the finest expertise within the business.
One other is Rachel Duffy, who’s a hardass Kiwi that busted my balls however as soon as we bought to know one another I noticed she has a coronary heart of gold. I’m happy to say we’re nice mates.
And naturally, Maurice Terzini. He’s an icon, a genius and a savant. He’ll rock up some days, set the room up relying on the place the solar sits within the sky and I’ll attempt to copy it and paste it in my mind. He’s a genius for the tiny particulars. He actually cares in regards to the individuals who work for him. I really feel like he’s virtually too far forward of the occasions. He predicts tendencies years earlier than they occur.
“A buddy hooked me up as a barback at Icebergs. These preliminary shifts blew my thoughts! I hadn’t anticipated the extent of distinction and the idea that the extra you study, the much less . It was probably the greatest summers of my life.”
You in all probability get extra superstar visitors than any venue within the nation. How do you navigate that and hold them coming again?
We’ve got a extremely good core of people who find themselves in each week. It’s a group vibe with hugs on the door and positivity. We’ve got plenty of well-known individuals who are available in and we provide them full discretion and a spot the place they’ll calm down and be themselves with out having to fret in regards to the judgment of the surface world. We defend our visitors and we’re very skilled.
Do you suppose you’ll stick round for some time or do you’ve got plans to do your personal factor in the future?
I’ve bought no plans of leaving however in the future it will be good to open my very own place I’d like to do one thing much like what the boys at Chuck Trailers are doing. I like that kind of small bar vibe.
You’ve not too long ago received Bar Supervisor of the 12 months. Have you ever bought any recommendation for the youthful bartenders or managers on the market?
Probably the most essential bit of recommendation I might give that formed what I do was given to me by Len. It was my first few weeks barbacking and considering I might be a bartender. I had a little bit of a complain to him and he flipped round and mentioned, ‘When you don’t like one thing, work your ass off, get to the highest and alter it!’. So I labored my ass off and bought to the highest and realized, honest sufficient, he was proper all alongside.
Are you able to speak us by means of the expertise of successful the award?
To be sincere it took me ages to rise up there on stage as I wasn’t anticipating to win it and was then mobbed! I’ve an incredible reminiscence of Toby Hilton placing my jacket on me after which choosing up Wee James on the stage. I couldn’t have carried out something with out the crew round me so that is as a lot theirs as it’s mine.
You possibly can go to Matty on the not too long ago refurbished Icebergs Eating Room & Bar.
