Meet Mark Wouters. A Dutch F & B Manager at the Mandarin Oriental is fresh of the boat to New Zealand.
I installed perfectly well and thanks to humidity adjustment and the change in temperature, the air conditioner life and the chaotic traffic of Jakarta, but in the all the most important aspect is the kindness of my team.
Where have you been posted here before? Where was the most memorable experience so far?
I lived in New Zealand for four and a half years and joins an iconic property, Huka Lodge, which is located in the middle of the North Island on beautiful banks of the Waikato river. I started my trip there as director of the restaurant and within two and a half years has become the general manager.
The most memorable experience to date still had my time in New Zealand as it was a wonderful opportunity to understand the high-end market, to meet and greet celebrities, royalty, and many interesting walks of life.
New Zealand and Jakarta now ... It's a huge change. What made you decide to move to the Big Durian?
After reaching the position of CEO at a very young age and working for small luxury brands, I chose to jump into the deep end again and choose Asia as a destination, as well as to the passage of the small luxury in luxury. This would give me a new opportunity for development and growth within the hospitality industry.
was relocating difficult? And what do you find the most difficult thing to adjust to?
The relocation was not difficult because my experience has taken me to many places and cultures during my childhood. The hardest thing to adapt to living in the air conditioning and the noise of the city.
Have you had a chance yet to taste Indonesian food?
The first six weeks in Jakarta gave me the opportunity to eat nasi goreng Beef Rendang and soto ayam .
What is the next thing on your agenda in Mandarin? Do you have any upcoming events of interest?
We have several interesting events happening at the Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta such as Nicolas Isnard, a Michelin starred chef will be cooking in Lyon. MO Bar will also present the Indonesian night at the end of March, and a new Brunch Saturday instead of Sunday Brunch.
If I wanted to start a career in F & B, where would you advise to be the best place to start?
All F & B careers begin with a good education. Mine started the hotel school, Ter Duinen in Belgium, which is a great institution for the classic. After my studies, I recommend you take training in a Michelin-starred restaurant guide.
time of confession, Mark. What strange food combination or weird you love that others can not understand?
Beet Risotto with sweetbreads, delicious!
and if you could compare your personality to that of a type of cuisine, who would you be and why?
Any type of food or the combination puts a smile on my face, but at the same time makes me think how something is put in place. This is very in tune with my personality, I would say!