Maurice Montero - Mr pickles bar & eatery

We caught up with Maurice to see what he’s been up to while in lockdown and what he’s looking forward to when restrictions ease.

How many people have you been isolating with? 
Just my partner, dog and cat.

What does your daily routine consist of? 
DIY, playstation and watching a stupid amount of tv.

What have you been baking?
Perfecting my baguettes and pastries.

Have you learnt a new skill/ hobby? 
I’ve done some online courses in social media and spray painting.

What food are you most looking forward to when we get out of lockdown? 
KFC but mostly having a beer with friends. I’ve been eating well with all this time.

What have you been working on while in lockdown?
Doing up the laundry and refurbished the toilet window.

Best thing you’ve watched/ read/ listened to? 
The David Chang show, To Small to Fail (about the hospitality industry in America), Joe Rogan experience with Graham Hancock and Randall Carlson on a new look on history.

What is something you miss? 
Freedom

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Are you from Hamilton?
No. I’m from the Netherlands but have been here 12 years, so I feel like a Hamiltonian.

What do you do in the Lane?
Co-owner of Mr Pickles and The Bearded Weasel.

Fave thing on the menu?
Beef croquets with Habanero mustard.

Fave coffee spot for your day off?
SL28 - catching up with Dave in the morning.

Your idea of fun?
Travelling

How do you deal with hard customers?
Never really have to deal with customers but if they’re acting up I’m 6”4 so people don’t seem to have any trouble if I’m in front of them.

Fave food of all time?
Paella in Spain.

Summer or winter?
Summer.

If you could retire tomorrow, what would you do?
Go travelling.

Fave thing about the lane?
It feels like I’m in another city so there is a lot of pride every time, I’m there. 

What’s your favourite thing to spend money on?
Cheese, I eat a lot of cheese.

What did you do before getting into this job?
I used to work for my dad who is in the import/ export business but I have always worked in hospitality.

What do you snack on when you’re at work?
Everything. You will always find me chewing on something, especially cheese.

Early bird or night owl?
Early bird

Favourite store in the Hamilton CBD?
Wonderhorse makes me happy.

FACEBOOK @mrpicklesnz

FACEBOOK @thebeardedweasel