Louise Rocchi
Assistant Restaurant Manager, Palermo
What inspired you to join the hospitality industry?
I was 16 and i needed a job! My mother told me I was a Jill of all trades so I thought I would find a trade I liked and master it! First job came when I was almost 17 as a bussy at the Middle Park Hotel. My Brothers best friend gave me the job and taught me everything I know! It was the there that I found my first hospo family.
Have you always worked in hospitality?
I did try other things, I was a massage therapist for a while there but I never stopped working in Hospitality - which meant 3 jobs and working 6 days, eventually realising that it was what I wanted to do. I’ve worked in many places doing various jobs over the years including working overseas but I think my first career highlight was working at Cookie. I was there for 5 years. I really found out what it meant to be a part of a hospitality family that was as close as my first family at the Middle Park Hotel. It’s where I met my best friends! I left Cookie to run my own cafe business for two years and upon the sale of the business returned to Cookie for one more stint... LONG story in between but eventually was enticed to join the San Telmo Group working at Palermo when it opened and I couldn’t be happier. I thought I knew everything there was to know about hospitality until I joined this group. They’ve taught me more about myself and management in 2 years that would have been handy to know back in the day!
Any other career highlights or achievements during this time?
I suppose running my own business is quite a big achievement, as it was quite successful, and very difficult - perhaps being in the industry for almost 18 years as well! That's a good innings...
What do you enjoy about working in the industry?
Knowing everyone. Knowing the City I live in and being a part of a truly unique industry - what we do ain’t easy!
Are there any people that inspire your work?
That’s a tough one, not really anyone in particular. But I’ve always been a hard worker and am always inspired by people who have drive, especially in this industry cos it’s cut throat and inconsistent, constant and taxing but fun and exciting and I couldn’t live without it!
What core values do you work by?
Breathe before you speak, work smarter not harder, be honest with people and smile.. I’m a woman of the people!
What are your personal interests outside of work?
What do you mean outside of work?? Jokes. On my days off you will find me either on the couch watching Netflix, out with my mates most likely drinking good wine and eating good food. Or at the Adidas shop! The other day i bought a green velvet tracksuit. its amazing, one day i hope they will sponsor me.
What is your favourite cuisine?
I actually really love Asian food - but I'll eat anything.
What is your favourite dish from at Palermo?
Tartar, has been since the beginning
What is your favourite beverage?
I do love a glass of wine or a bottle. Or things that come in Magnums? I guess that’s wine too!. Gin and soda if I'm feeling healthy.
Do you have any childhood memories that sparked your love to work with food and wine?
My brother made me a cement mixer shot when I was 12. Which is Baileys and Lime Juice. (The San Telmo Group does not recommend trying this shot at home) I also used to cook a lot at home - Dad would rate the experience out of 10 on presentation, flavour and creativity... he was a tough critic! Appreciation for wine came from Cookie with their bazillion page wine list, it was hard not to get involved in a tasting or two!
What’s a fun fact about you?
I'm single! Also I can remember an order for 10 people with 10 different steaks, sides, entrees, drinks and who had what, with 10 different coffee orders and what the conversation was in between. But I also can't remember what you just said.
Any top picks for restaurants, cafes, bars etc.?
I live in West Melbourne so it’s close to the City which is where I usually go. I get my coffee every morning from Apollo and Joe Tayllor Bar is great for a sneaky cocktail. I'll be honest though I don’t eat that much around my area, you would find me in the city most of the time. I actually love to eat at Palermo!