ABHI GURUNG

: Describe your typical day in a sentence.

Abhi: I start with morning meetings with the hotel, excom and F&B teams. Afterwards, I’ll walk around all our F&B outlets and kitchens and speak to the staff and event organisers. I enjoy speaking to our outlet guests to get their feedback on the service and food and how we can improve.

: So how did you come to be the Director of F&B for

Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta?

A: I started out as a trainee at Park Hyatt Melbourne before working at the three chef hat-rated Radii Restaurant at Park Hyatt. Since then, I have progressed in my career by working with hotel groups like Hyatt, Radisson, Accor and Pan Pacific in Australia.

: What’s the toughest part of your job?

A: If I have to pick out one aspect, probably sourcing suppliers of quality seasonal produce for our F&B outlets. We only want the very best for Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta.

: And what makes you smile at work?

A: I’m constantly amazed by the dedication of our F&B team in delivering great services and food to our guests. The team deserves every positive feedback we get.

: What motivates you?

A: The amazing team we have at Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta. We look forward to facing new challenges every day and making our customers smile. Personally, I’m motivated by the progress of my career; I’ve come a long way since I started in this industry and I’m enjoying it! Last but certainly not least, my family, who have always been very supportive in every move I have made in my career.

: Would things fall apart if you weren’t around?

A: No. I’m lucky to have a group of talented individuals in my team. I trust them to communicate well and handle things when I’m not around.

: Who, in your team, deserves more recognition and why? A: Everyone on my team deserves more recognition because every success we achieve is the result of everyone’s dedication and contribution. On that note, I believe that the other departments deserve more credit as well. We are fortunate to have such capable marketing, front office and housekeeping departments to make sure everything runs smoothly.

: Why should people choose Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta to dine? A: We have everything to cater for everyone. Our Restoran Fiesta serves amazing Indonesian and international buffets. If you love Japanese food, you can’t go wrong with our award-winning Keyaki restaurant. We have weekly live music to go with light refreshments and international wines and beer at the Lobby Lounge. If you’re after some desserts, our Sari Delicatessen serves amazing home-made cakes, pastries, cookies as well as gluten-free products that you can take home for the family. You can also get beautiful home-made gourmet sausages, home-made smoked meats and salmon at Sari Delicatessen.

: Away from work, what’s your favourite place to eat?

A: I’m still new to Jakarta, so the hunt is still going for the best restaurant! In Australia, my favourite places to eat are Rock Pool Bar & Grill Perth, Bennelong Restaurant in the Sydney Opera House, The Dining Room at Park Hyatt Sydney, Vasse Felix Restaurant in Margaret River and Emeralds Restaurant in the Green Island Resort.

: How do you unwind?

A: I like golfing and outdoor activities like off-road driving and camping. I also enjoy visiting wineries, cattle and game meat farms. It’s beautiful out there, and you get to learn so much from them.

: Finally, any advice for those looking to break into the industry? A: This business provides a lot of opportunities for those who are passionate enough to pursue it. My advice would be to stay updated on the new trends, travel to learn, seize whatever opportunities come your way and never give up.

Director of Food & Beverage

at Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta