Alex Anthony, the general manager of Lucky Tora – KL’s latest cocktail bar and Japanese restaurant opening – chats with The Yum List about what life is like “under the water.”
What do you do and how did you get into the industry?
I am the general manager and I run the entire operation of the business on a daily basis, from the kitchen team to the front of house. My childhood consisted of cafeterias and restaurants, as my late mother used to run canteens and restaurants. I really got into the industry when I started working as a barista for a major coffee chain and it took off from there.
Share with us an interesting story from behind the scenes.
Restaurants and the people working in them are like swans: all people see is the gracefulness of the swan above the water not what is going on below the surface.
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
Best: Customers when they are happy.
Worst: Customers when they are not happy.
We’re always working to make sure they are happy.
A day in the life of GM is…
Gym in the morning followed by spa session then a conference call with the team.
All that is not true. What really happens is I usually run around between outlets to check on them to make sure the team is on the ball with day-to-day operations. I constantly work hands-on with the floor team as well whenever necessary to observe the efficiency of service. It is the best way to find out what is happening on the ground. From issues and potential problems to also things, we are doing right, followed by weekly meetings with the outlet team.
What do you do for fun?
Going to the track and driving really fast. I also love the outdoors like hiking and jungle trekking.
What’s something you’d like guests to know about Lucky Tora?
Lucky Tora is about being adventurous with its food and flavours. We want to always challenge ourselves to do things outside the box when it comes to Japanese food and how it is perceived. Fun fact: Tora means “tiger” in Japanese. During the WW2 when the Japanese army attacked Pearl Harbor they used the signal “Tora! Tora!” as a code name for “strike”. So Lucky Tora actually doubles as “Lucky Strike”!
What’s your favourite food and beverage pairing?
A bottle of I.P.A and a slice of pizza Margherita topped with fresh mozzarella.
What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?
We will be focusing on updating the menu, as well as trying out seasonal items. As for the beverages, we are exploring different types of spirits to produce more interesting cocktails. We are also working with our partners for sake and wine pairings and introducing more cool nights on the weekend like Lucky Sake Club.
Check out the food and beverage offerings at Lucky Tora here.
He sure is casually dressed, eh? Like his policy, making customers happy!
Very cool 🙂
I do enjoy these interviews, always interesting. Cheers Diane
It sounds like he enjoys his job 🙂