Meet your host: Makao
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we’ve got just the person to serve up a marvellous morning feed for you. Meet our resident breakfast chef, Makao (HyeonSeong Kim).
Hailing from the beautiful port city of Mokpo, South Korea, Makao’s homeland is where where sprawling mountains and fields coexist, and where master craftsmen of taste gather for culinary delights. Makao’s love of food draws from his upbringing, with his local area taking great pride in South Korean cuisine – something that is deeply embedded in the culture.
Makao has been a Sydney local for six years and counting. A seasoned expert in the hospitality industry, he has a range of experience working in restaurants, pubs, banquets, cafes, and catering for almost a decade, but his role here is his first gig as a hotel chef. You’ll find him cooking up a storm in the kitchen here most mornings, with a menu drawing on his many and varied travel experiences.
Read on to uncover more about the man in the kitchen.
WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELLER ARE YOU?
I like to dig deep into the culture and enjoy the local area I’m visiting. A crowded trip and a tourist attractions are of course good, but I like to go a little deeper into a destination, discover where and how locals live and feel their culture with my whole body. I want to experience their own familiar space, traditional food, way of life, and culture.
WHAT’S YOUR FONDEST TRAVEL MEMORY?
Before I came to Australia, I travelled to the Philippines. I went to Hundred Island with my friends because they were recommended by our local language teachers. Snow-cooling under the blue sky, waves, green mountain slopes, cotton-white clouds, exploring deep in the sea of the Philippines island was unforgettable. Also the thrill of looking down at the sea on the zip line that connected the island to the island!
WHERE WAS THE LAST PLACE YOU TOOK A TRIP?
Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai. I was invited to a friend’s wedding there. I was amazed at the unspoiled natural scenery while driving along a large mountain path. I’ll never forget the fantastic taste of the local pad thai I had there.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SYDNEY?
The coexistence of various cultures, whether at school or at work, friends of various countries and races are always next to each other. I can understand their language and culture, and I can always talk about local food they enjoy with their family. And that there is a beach near my house where I can go anytime after work!
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A SUNNY DAY IN SYDNEY?
I love the Northern Beaches. Among them, Balmoral Beach would be the best. This is a nearby beach that takes only 20 minutes to get to from the hotel. It doesn’t have high waves to surf, but you can enjoy snorkelling, catch some rays, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It would be the best space to take a walk with dogs and be with family or friends.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO FOR BREAKFAST?
Sourdough with strawberry jam and peanut butter.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PYRMONT? AND IN GREATER SYDNEY?
Fresh oysters, kingfish sashimi and grilled scallops caught that day sitting by the pier of Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont. Bring a bottle of Tequila, a wedge of lemon and Tabasco sauce. And I recommend Esteban restaurant in the city, not too far from Aiden Darling Harbour. Personally, I really like Mexican food, and the tacos and quesadilla I had here were the best.
WHAT’S YOUR INSIDER’S TIP ABOUT GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A STAY?
Fuel up for your trip in Sydney with a delicious and colourful breakfast at Aiden Darling Harbour cooked with fresh ingredients every day!
