the real people of noosa

1    Why Noosa?  What brought you here?

While living in Sydney, I made my first holiday to Noosa by car. From Sydney I drove through the Gold Coast, Mt Tamborine finally arriving at Munna Point in Noosa. When I arrived here I found happy people and a cosmopolitan feel. That was 17 years ago and from there I found a job In Noosa and moved.

2    What did you do in a former life, before coming to Noosa?

Before Sydney, I lived in Norway, France and South Africa and I have always been a chef. Prior to Valentino's I worked as a restaurant consultant and owned Soleil Restaurant in Sunshine Beach for 6 years.

3    What makes you stay in Noosa?  Describe your relationship with the place?

I like the diversity of Noosa. It has everything here including beaches and mountains and is almost like a small country on its own. Plus there is always something new to do like kayaking, and we are not too far from anywhere so that in two hours you can literally be anywhere.   

4    What do you do?  

I have a small restaurant called Valentino’s Café and Restaurant, adjoining the Majestic Theatre in Pomona. At the theatre, you can see the movies of yesteryear. Pomona is a fantastic small town, with a village atmosphere and very friendly people. We get visitors to the Majestic and Valentino from all over including Brisbane, Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Hervey Bay. We have only been open a short time and already both the theatre and restaurant have a great reputation.

5    What makes Noosa ‘tick’ and what are its unique characteristics?

The perfect climate and beaches and the fact we are still a small village plus Noosa has a nice feel with no high-rises. That is what I love about it. It reminds me a lot of the feel of the French and Italian Rivieres.

6    How would you describe Noosa to someone with no knowledge of it?

I would say it is like a mixing the French, Italian, Greek Riviera with an Australian touch.

7    What’s your favourite haunt/spot/view/thing to do around Noosa?

I love watching movies at the Majestic Theatre, eating at restaurants, visiting Noosa North Shore, going surfing, cycling and horse riding and walking through the National Park.

8    Your most unusual Noosa experience…

When I was in Noosa and met a friend from my own village back in France. It is a very small village so it was quite bizarre.

9    Where was your last holiday?

In Toowoomba, just to have a look.

10     Name someone who has inspired you and why?

The chef I studied under during my apprenticeship because he taught me ‘unique flair’. He introduced me to what I love and showed me how to do it all my own way. Through him, I learnt that what you want to do has to come from you, and now that is what I do with my own cooking - an interpretation. I do the best I can, that is the only way I do things.