Local Favourites – Pierre

By Dan Hutton on September 26, 2011 in People

Pierre El Alam came to Australia ten years ago all the way from Lebanon on a permanent residency and he works in Bondi and Coogee as the owner of Gelatissimo Bondi Beach and Coogee. Pierre shares his local favourites with The Beast…

Favourite Beach: I love Coogee, but I also enjoy going to more quiet places like Narrabeen or Curl Curl.

Eatery: I like the Meat & Wine Co. in Darling Harbour, Hurricanes in Bondi, La Spiaggia in Coogee and Ceviche in Coogee.

Watering Hole: I don’t go much to hotels, I prefer sitting with friends at home and sharing a bottle of wine.

Sporting Team: The Bulldogs in the league and Brazil and Spain in the soccer.

Music: I listen to ’70s and ’80s music, Shania Twain, Leonard Cohen, jazz and classical.

Person: My wife and children first. And I admire Obama for the courage of his choices despite his low rating. I find great inspiration in people like Gandhi and Mandela. I love watching good actors like Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daniel Day-Lewis but I also appreciate younger talent like Leonardo DiCaprio and Charlize Theron.

Weekend Activity: I spend part of my weekend working and part of it with family or friends, preferably in nature like a picnic or by the beach.

Favourite Thing About Your Work: Interacting with customers, especially the locals.

Final Word: I changed my career 180 degrees when I turned 51. From a corporate IT manager, I became a gelato shop owner. I never looked back and the future looks quite good. I love working in Coogee and Bondi.