TEMPO out to revolutionise local dining

The leaders of one of Geelong’s newest premium restaurants aim to redefine the region’s hospitality experience by providing just the right tempo for any occasion.

Situated on Geelong Waterfront on Level 2 of the Novotel Geelong, TEMPO Kitchen and Bar promises to capture the hearts and tastebuds of restaurant-goers by providing delicious food, decadent cocktails and dazzling live entertainment.

The restaurant is the latest venture of premium hotel and hospitality business the ERDI Group and its chief operating officer Steven Oakley who have developed the design, function and hospitality experience at TEMPO.

Mr Oakley brings over 25 years of food and beverage experience to TEMPO, having managed more than 15 bars, restaurants and hotels in New Zealand and Australia.

 

This has involved him running independent multisite food and beverage operations for the bespoke QT Hotels brand and now for the ERDI Group, who manage the Novotel Hotels chain, amongst others.

“I’ve always had my hand in food and beverages, and I suppose when we started to look towards TEMPO, it was about utilising what was going to be best for Geelong and its people.

“We love Geelong and we’ve been a part of the local community with the Novotel for over 25 years.

“We aren’t any blow in so to say from Melbourne. We’ve been here and are now evolving the venue to really be something special.

“Being on the waterfront, it presented us with a great opportunity. It can’t be built out and it’s a prime spot we’ve helped to reinject into with nice food and a nice environment.

“Tempo is Italian for time, so it’s about spending time and embracing the notion of nonna’s kitchen and enjoying each others company.

“Ultimately, it’s about bringing Geelong up to speed as it grows.”

 

TEMPO celebrates the rich and local produce and flavours of Victoria and is a tribute to the culinary heritage of the region.

Featuring a thoughtfully designed shared menu which boasts a seafood and grill focus, the restaurant sources directly from local farmers, fishermen and producers, ensuring each dish captures the authentic tastes of the region.

To bring this culinary dream to life, TEMPO features an experienced cheffing team, led by worldly chef Erwin Joven.

The Culinary Institute of America chef brings over twenty years of experience to TEMPO from the elite culinary sector.

Mr Joven has spearheaded kitchens all over the world, including those in ultra luxury island resorts in the Caribbean, British Virgin Islands, St Vincent and Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands, Fiji and later in the Phillipines.

 

The American chef moved to Australia in 2018 and after working in Adelaide and the Hayman Islands, turned his focus to joining Mr Oakley in bringing TEMPO to life in Geelong.

“Steven made it very clear from the beginning what the concept was going to be at TEMPO and it’s been a pleasure to bring it to life.

“Our ethos is ultra-high quality but done very simply and authentically.

“It’s clean flavours, grill orientated and somewhat Italian inspired.

“There’s no fusion confusion. It’s not finicky, it’s just about about letting the food showcase itself.

“The seafood dishes have all been incredibly popular thus far.

“Portarlington mussels, local fish and everything in between is sourced as locally as we can get it.

“The grilled prawn starter with sea urchin butter is absolutely amazing, as is the grilled seafood platter, salmon and the rockling.

“He (Steven) gives us the words and the meanings of TEMPO, and we just try put it onto the plate.

“Luckily the feedback of it has been very positive and hopefully it continues to grow.”

 

As part of their commitment to food and beverage excellence, TEMPO boasts a thoughtfully curated bar menu which suits the flavours of the kitchen.

“We’ve created plenty of special cocktails, however our Geelong Mai Thai seems to be really popular so far,” Mr Oakley said.

“Alongside the signatures like an espresso martini and so on, the wines are moving along really nicely too, mainly the Victorian pinots.

“The wine list only has two from about fifty which aren’t from the region.

“We’ve also collaborated with local breweries like Bells Beach Brewing to champion our local producers.

“There’s definitely a great synergy between the food and drink offerings, with both being hyperlocal,” Mr Joven added.

“The wines and cocktails compliment the food really well. It’s all been created in sync.”

 

Mr Oakley said TEMPO also has aspirations of becoming a social and live entertainment hub for the Geelong community.

“As we come into the October and summer period, we are going to bringing some entertainment in.

“We will aim to have local DJ’s and acoustic musicians in there on a Friday and Saturday’s.

“It’s about making it a bit of a social hub for our community.

“We’ve got plenty of great spaces which lends themselves to live entertainment, so we can’t wait to bring it to life.”

 

Beyond the food, beverages and service, TEMPO is committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.

TEMPO is now open to the public at 10/14 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong.

Bookings are available via the official website www.tempogeelong.com.au