Brooke Earley
Restaurant Manager, San Telmo
Where were you born?
New Plymouth, New Zealand
Do you have any childhood memories that sparked your love to work with food and wine?
Mum would always have dinner parties and I would beg to set the table. I wanted to use the fancy champagne glasses even if they weren’t drinking champagne!
What inspired you to work in the hospitality industry?
I started when I was 15, I used to get paid $6.18 an hour to wait tables at a buffet restaurant back home. Because I was underage, I couldn’t serve alcohol so I was trusted with the very very important jobs like clearing tables and re-stocking the dessert section.
What happened next?
I moved to Wellington University, which resulted in me taking a bar job so I could work nights and focus on my studies during the day. I learnt to make cocktails, ran shifts as a supervisor, worked very late nights. 6am finishes! After that I accepted a position as Bar manager in St. Johns before taking a break from Hospitality to do explore administration. Which really wasn’t for me!
How did you find yourself in the San Telmo Group?
When I moved to Melbourne and decided to get back into hospo. I took a job at Meatball and Wine Bar which is where I was introduced to Ben Wood who was about to open and run a little restaurant called Pastuso. He needed staff, so I started as a senior waiter and eventually moved up the ranks to a supervisor. In 2017 the group was expanding and hiring for their new restaurant, Palermo. I made the move from Peruvian to Argentinian starting as the Assistant Manager there. 2 years of hard work and the promotion to San Telmo came next. San Telmo was the first restaurant in the group, it was an honour to be chosen as their new restaurant manager.
What do you enjoy about working in the hospitality industry?
The long hours and late nights .. just kidding! The food and the wine are a huge plus, especially the opportunity to learn so much about food and wine. The service side of things is also great, being able to deliver an experience that I’m passionate about to our customers.
What core values do you work by?
Honesty, integrity and accountability. And responsibility! If something goes wrong, I don’t want excuses. Own your mistakes and take responsibility.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I do Pilates and hit the gym. Very passionate about wine, I’m actually in the process of completing the WSET diploma of wine and spirits. Of course hanging out with my partner and my cat! Getting to the beach in Summer is always on the list too, Melbourne weather permitting! I also love visiting Queenstown, my partners family live there. It’s one of my favourite places in the world.
What is your favourite cuisine?
I’m quite indecisive so I don’t really have favourites. I guess I can say I change my mind a lot. I do love Italian and French! Rich food, lots of bold flavours.
What is your favourite wine?
White wine it will always be Riesling second to a good Chablis. Red wine, really into Nerello Mascalese which is from Sicily. Delicious!
You live in South Yarra, any recommendations?
The alps is a great little wine bar down the road. Love France Soir and South Press Wine House next door!
What’s your favourite dish at San Telmo?
The snapper ceviche is beautiful but it has to be the flan. It’s my favourite dish at every venue! Always order the flan!