pen insula People IT TAKES TWO - The GoodLife chats to high profile couples who share their secrets of successfully working together.
Bernard and Rachael McCarthy A Recipe for Success Salix Restaurant Bistro is unquestionably one of the finest winery restaurants in Victoria.
Airy and modern, Salix features a large dining room with huge windows that frame the picturesque Willow Creek Vineyard.
The bistro is downstairs and spills out onto a large deck area for an alfresco dining experience.
Throughout, a classy colour scheme, furniture, settings and menus are Rachael s design work.
Her husband, owner chef, Bernard s menu combines modern cuisine with local freshness.
Bernard and Rachael have a spirited approach to food and hospitality which, since 2004, has worked wondrously well.
Bernard delights in the kitchen while the snappily-dressed Rachael s attention to detail keeps things running smoothly.
Rachael took the time to answer some of our questions How and when did you meet We met 20 years ago.
It was Bernard s first job at Haskins Restaurant so it was really love at first sight in the hospitality industry.
What made you decide to work together Bernard ran the Hairy Canary in Melbourne.
After a time, he decided to move overseas and we got together working in Shanghai where we eventually lived for nine months.
We ran Park 97, a combined art gallery, caf and fine dining restaurant that attracted a very hip and groovy set.
What is your greatest achievement Bernard will always be very proud of his achievement as a young twenty-four year-old chef running the 2-Chef Hat Awarded Madame Jo Jo s 12 good life, february -march, april 2011 in St Kilda.
As a couple we are both immensely proud of what we have achieved at Salix.
The restaurant has won numerous awards including the 2008 Best Winery Restaurant in Victoria.
What s most important for a successful partnership Getting the balance of family life we have two young daughters and running an award-winning restaurant right.
We ve got a really good formula Bernard has over twenty years experience so he has final veto while I look after the marketing and style.
We have clearly delineated lines but I can easily defer to Bernard when it comes to making a big decision.
If you had to advise another couple who are about to go into your situation what would you teach them Make sure you have a five year business plan and stick to it.
Regularly review your plan and set achievable goals.
Also, leave work at work.
What drew you to the Mornington Peninsula My family had a beach house in the area but really it was all about lifestyle to raise a family in a safe, calm environment.
We were both inner-urbanites living in Fitzroy and Carlton but were drawn to the open places, the trees, beach and koalas that make the Peninsula such a wonderful place to live.
How do you see the tourism future on the Mornington Peninsula There needs to continue to be a balance between growth and sustainability but the planned freeway extension could be a real positive for all our businesses on Western Port Bay.
How and where do you like to relax when not at work I enjoy gardening while Bernard likes to get out and play the occasional round of golf.
We both simply love spending time with our family and look forward to dinner parties when the extended tribe gather and feast for hours.
Each year the McCarthy family also enjoys Christmas in July- quite an affair.
Both Rachael and Bernard agree that Salix is constantly evolving and they have fun redefining the style and culture that makes their restaurant such a unique dining experience.
Throughout summer they look forward to further individually defining what each space the restaurant and the bistro - represents and looking after all their past and new patrons.
-Arthur O'Bryan .
Michael and Sally Savage from the Enchanted Maze Garden An A-Mazing Duo Michael and Sally shared a vision to create the most spectacular maze garden in Australia.
The business that began as Arthurs Seat Maze enjoyed great early success as the home of Australia's first Maize Maze.
Today, the Enchanted Maze continues to grow in size and scope capturing visitors imagination in a world of mazes, theme gardens, topiary rides and sculptural creations.
Set out on almost ten acres of undulating hillside, the formal mazes are surrounded by gardens, bushland and a lake that provides a dynamic environment designed for the whole family to enjoy.
Sally Savage, how and when did you meet Michael Michael and I met on a blind date.
Ever since we met we have shared everything our family life, The Enchanted Maze and our passion for exciting new projects.
It was never a formal decision to work together, we just live our life and the work is part of it.
Really I m only interested in the fun bits and leave all the hard work to Michael so job allocation is no problem.
How did the Maze get started We started the maze when Millie, our eldest, was a few months old.
We put her in a pouch and walked around the property clearing blackberries and living out of a clapped out old caravan with an open fire for our Billy tea.
None of the successes we have since enjoyed could replace those exciting early days spent planning and building.
Is it a family-run business To a large extent, yes it is.
Millie is our artist in residence this year, she is a really talented painter and we are so proud of her.
Our son Patrick also works weekends at the Maze and has done everything from waiting on tables to helping construct new Maze developments.
The maze has grown together with our family.
We have 4 kids and we are developing the maze now by building the giant tube slides and the 3D indoor maze.
What has given you a great sense of achievement It has been wonderful to see all our staff grow with the business.
Michael and I enjoy our responsibility of mentoring the young gardeners and seeing them become young adults and have families.
We feel blessed to have such a circle of friends and a lot of that has come from building and working with the team at The Enchanted Maze.
How do you divide your time We have had a lot of help from family and friends and while we have our busy periods, most of our time is flexible, and devoted to enjoying life.
We see our parents regularly and have at least an hour a day to exercise.
Michael is a cycling nut.
If you had to advise another couple who are about to go into your situation what would you teach them I think any couple that work together need to keep an eye on the priorities, looking after family, and each other comes first.