Steve Ackerie, The Chelsea Bistro
"The heart that gives, gathers ..."
The patch of earth sitting high on Petrie Terrace has played host to an eclectic mix of locals over the past 150 years. First, it was the holding place for the city’s sinners, next it lodged horses, personnel and vehicles as a designated police depot, and then finally it fell under the wrath of squatters and vandals in the late 20th century as it lay derelict for almost 20 years. These days, the heritage-listed buildings of The Barracks accommodate a very different set of boarders, with dining establishments like The Chelsea Bistro sating local appetites for top-notch fare and boutique wines. After five years at the helm of the French-inspired bistro, owner Steve Ackerie is now steering the ship in a new direction, with a focus on a lighter, healthier menu and new twists on old favourites. The Weekend Edition dropped in to The Chelsea Bistro this week to chat to Steve about the changing tastes of locals and the venue’s new direction.
What inspires you?
Real, generous hospitality. Stuff the balance sheet.
If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Seek as much experience as you can.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?
You have to trust and engage people. You will make mistakes. You have to innovate.
You’ve been running The Chelsea Bistro for the past five years, what has been the biggest challenge and the greatest reward over that time?
Little challenges occur constantly, every day. The greatest rewards come with the relationships I have with the people I work alongside.
The venue is embarking on a new direction in 2014 – what can you tell us about the changes?
It’s modern French, but with a focus on freshness and simplicity. The favourites, like the fixed-price lunch, are still all there.
What’s your personal favourite dish on the new menu?
Our head chef Dallas Costello is doing a great job. I love the pan-seared barramundi with green beans and pinenut butter.
Before The Chelsea Bistro you were at Jo-Jo’s in Brisbane City, how have you seen locals’ tastes change over the years?
We can eat so well today in Brisbane, without spending a lot of money. I don’t see fine dining making a come back anytime soon.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Wake up, coffee, work, stories, bed …
There’s no doubt The Barracks bistro experiences its fair share of busy spells – and you’re also a father to three children – how have you learnt to deal with stress?
I have an amazing wife who never stops and she deserves all of the credit for that.
You’re also a keen cyclist, where is your favourite spot to cycle in Brisbane?
Mount Nebo at sunrise.
How do you define ‘success’?
To be completely competent at something.
You grew up in a well-known family – what’s the best piece of advice your father Stefan Ackerie gave you?
The heart that gives, gathers.
What’s your one essential for a well-spent weekend?
A big family lunch.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … At the bar at The Chelsea Bistro with a coffee from Valeria.
Relax … Family bushwalk.
Dine … Slow roast on the Weber barbecue.
Indulge … A good bottle from Craft Wine Store, Red Hill.
Shop … Du Monde, Paddington.
Be inspired … Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
