Let’s do the maths. Sydney’s Icebergs Dining Room & Bar opened in 2002. Monty (executive chef) and Jaci Koludrovic (executive pastry chef) joined the Bondi kitchen in 2014, with additional menu oversight when Surry Hills’ The Dolphin Hotel reopened in 2016. The couple’s combined pasta- and tiramisù-wielding prowess has seen through a solid chunk of the Icebergs group’s history.
So it’s big news that after five years, the Koludrovics are moving on from their respective roles at Maurice Terzini’s restaurant empire.
In a statement, Monty thanked Terzini and the Icebergs group, and announced the couple’s move north to the Byron Bay region where Monty grew up.
“After almost six years Jaci and I have decided it is time to embark on a new adventure,” he said. “It really has been an amazing six years for us both working with the group. For that I thank Maurice for following his heart and taking a chance on us for one of the best restaurants in Australian dining. There’s a reason he has become the hospitality legend that he is.”
Monty and Jaci’s CVs are also dotted with time cooking at The Boathouse at Blackwattle Bay and Bistro Moncur before meeting at Justin North’s Bécasse. The couple will be moving north with their two sons.
“We are looking forward to spending time in my home town in Byron close to family and kids, and take a much-needed break while we consider what new opportunities we have ahead,” Monty said.
The Icebergs group – which recently opened pizza and pasta joint CicciaBella – has yet to announce successors to the Koludrovics, but Terzini and his team are in discussion with a shortlist of candidates with an appointment to be made in early 2020. In the meantime, head chefs Alex Pritchard (Icebergs Dining & Bar) and Tom Deadman (The Dolphin Hotel) will continue to lead their respective kitchens over the summer.
“I continue to enjoy observing the success of all the talented individuals who work with us at Icebergs and more recently The Dolphin, as they move on and navigate their individual paths within the industry,” Terzini said in a statement.
“Change provides opportunity and our entire team at both Icebergs and The Dolphin look forward to our continued and exciting evolution. “
