Yianni Passaris, Restaurateur, dell'Ugo
Success to me is doing something that you love and take pride in ...
With only Italian hands in the kitchen, dell’Ugo has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine since opening at South Bank in 2004. A close-knit family business, dell’Ugo injects a modern twist to traditional Italian recipes. The young gun of the clan, Yianni Passaris has been slowly shifting the restaurant’s essence to include his fresh perspective. His love of the on-street dining of Europe will be translated to the Grey Street side of dell’Ugo early next year, setting up a street-facing, trattoria-style dining area. Focusing on good quality, simple food in a casual environment, this outdoor partition will cater to the fast-paced lunch crowd. The Weekend Edition caught up with Yianni to chat weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
By taking a drive through and around the city before coming into work.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Being dragged out of bed by my lovely grandparents for a morning coffee as they come to visit me.
How do you like to unwind?
In my spa with a glass of red wine and some cheese with my fantastic friends.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
I love busy nights at work, good company and good food. Then to top it off, I’ll play a couple of games of FIFA 13.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Taking my girlfriend away to a private destination with no mobile or Facebook communication.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Have a family dinner, as this is our only time together to relax, catch up and not to talk about work.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
I always look forward to finding another hideout in Brisbane such as new bars, bistros and restaurants. I love bistros and cafes in little holes around town. The owners of these places really take pride in making coffee and the flavour of food.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading a Jamie Oliver cookbook so I can cook for my girlfriend. The way to win a girl’s heart is being a man who can cook … and practice makes perfect.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by food and wine, and appreciating the good things in life with friends and family.
What was your childhood dream?
To become a chef. But after seeing the stress of my chefs I need to reconsider. I have a great passion being on the floor of a restaurant.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is dell’Ugo at South Bank. I’ve been working with my mother and father and running a successful establishment for eight years.
What is success to you?
Success to me is doing something that you love and take pride in. I love food and wine, and sharing my knowledge with Brisbane is more than enough.
What are your words of wisdom?
A mistake can turn out to be the one thing necessary to bring forth a worthwhile achievement.
Only a local would know … where to find the best food in the most grungy and dodgy places around.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … South Bank
Relax … Hastings Street, Noosa
Dine … McDonald’s – there’s nothing better than a Quarter Pounder
Indulge … 7-Eleven for a Kit Kat Chunky
Shop … Melbourne
Catch-up … James Street, Fortitude Valley
Be inspired … The laneways in Rome
