Manolis Patunas

Born: Australia, Murwillumbah NSW.

History:

I started as an apprentice chef in 1975 and quickly moved up to head chef, general manager and in 1988 I became owner-chef at Cafe Paradise.

Have you always wanted to be a chef?

Yes, from the age of 8, my brother has restaurants as well so I have followed him.

How would you define your style?

Modern Authentic Greek.

What is your feature flavour these days?

Classic slow cooked foods, charcoal meats.

Your greatest culinary inspirations/influences:

My mother and brother.

What do you love about this business?

Great food and friends! Liquor helps too.

An ingredient you can't live without?

Lemon and fetta.

Most 'eyebrow raising' menu item?

Tsiftelies, pork and veal mince sausage wrapped in pork crepinette and BBQ.

Signature Dish:

BBQ Octopus with fetta and olive bread.