An Iron Fist
Leading a restaurant is not an easy task. But how about this: leading restaurant operations, and being tasked with not only keeping the kitchen running but also maintaining first-class quality, as well as managing the many personnel within? Oh, did we mention also doing this for several restaurants all at once? As the operations general manager of Jakarta’s top fine-dining group, Altitude, that is the daily life of Nick Sebastian. We met with the hardworking manager and discussed his secrets to success.
Q: Tell us about how you started your career in the culinary business.
A: Ever since I was young, I have been intrigued by the culinary world. My family would take me to Michelin-starred and other high-end restaurants whenever we’d travel on vacation. It would amaze me how well the food was presented and how it looked so appetising. Since then, it has been my passion to be a part of the culinary industry.
Q: How did you join Altitude Group and how do you like it so far?
A: I was fortunate enough to be introduced into Altitude Group by my mentor, and since joining, it has been an amazing journey. I have been given the opportunity to gain comprehensive exposure to the various operations involved in running a successful group of restaurants – including the kitchen, floor operations, marketing, and back-office departments.
Q: Please explain briefly to us about the Altitude Group.
A: Altitude Group is a culinary collective comprising more than a dozen high-end restaurants, which was established in 2013 – and is still going strong.
Q: How do you handle the pressure of running the operations of multiple restaurants and bars?
A: At Altitude Group, we approach the challenge of running multiple restaurants and bars with a proactive and well-planned strategy. We establish rigorous operating procedures and rely on a team of highly qualified leaders to ensure that everyone is executing their role. Additionally, we hold weekly meetings among the leadership team to address and resolve any obstacles that may arise.
Q: Following the previous questions, what is the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned from leading operations in Altitude Group?
A: To have a strong sense of teamwork. Just as the various parts of the human anatomy must work in sync for a person to function optimally, so too must all members of our team to work together seamlessly in order to be successful.
Q: What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
A: The most memorable moment was when we had the opportunity to create a collaborative event with multiple chefs and restaurants.
Q: What’s a typical day for you?
A: A typical day for me begins with my morning cup of coffee, during which I check my schedule for the day ahead. I then head out to our restaurants to hold my morning briefings with the team leaders and supervise operations at each of the locations. To end the night, I conduct a review of the day’s service and hold more discussions with the team leaders on areas for possible improvement.
Q: Can you tell us the must-try dishes or beverages in each of Altitude Group’s restaurants and bars?
A: It’s going to be a long list. I’m going to start with our Japanese places, beginning with Yugen and its premium Japanese shabu-shabu, then the Japanese blue fin tuna at Enmaru, followed by the variety of open temaki and White Momo for both Maza and its bar. Moving on to Altitude Grill, my choice is its dry-aged Wagyu striploin, while Oscar has the exquisite black king fish. Closing the list with excellent drinks from M-Bar is its Stairway to 46, and the signature Cloud Negroni at Cloud.
Q: What’s the next exciting thing from the Altitude Group that our readers can look forward to?
A: We just welcomed a new, thrilling addition to the Altitude Group, which is Maza Jakarta. This new dining establishment offers contemporary Japanese cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with live DJ performances after hours to add to the lively ambience.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years from now?
A: I hope to still be expanding my knowledge and expertise within the industry and continuing to learn
from culinary experts and
established professionals.
Altitude Group
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