This year, Sunilduth Moothoor celebrates 45 years with Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers. When he joined the kitchens in 1980, it wasn’t because he wanted to move abroad to one of the company’s other Clubs, but because he loved his job. He was hired as a clerk in the vegetable room, and was named employee of the year four times. Today, he is in charge of breakfasts in the main restaurant.
The regulars at the Club de la Pointe aux Canonniers recognize him with delight! Some even call him the “island sun”, playing on his first name… “They know I love my work,” he confides proudly. They know I love my work,” he confides with pride. You have to put a lot of love into it! “The Human Resources Manager praises his dedication: “Sunil Moothoor is an extremely helpful and kind person. He has always been loyal to Club Med by personal choice. Our customers have never missed breakfast: even in heavy rain, Sunil is always there!”
This rare pearl, who oversees the smooth running of breakfasts, is well aware of the decisive nature of this moment in the day… “You have to be kind and considerate,” he says. You have to be kind and considerate,” he tells us, “but you mustn’t annoy people. Some people may not be awake, or may be a bit grumpy. It’s the first meal: everything has to go well… We pay attention to details: enn bon manze bien prezante, donn li so valer!”* Like a metronome, Sunil gets up every day at 3 a.m., in his house in Grand Baie; then he gets on his bike to start his shift at 4 a.m. – always with a smile, says his HR manager – even when he has to come in at 3.45 a.m… for some early risers, like the pilots scheduled on the first flights.
Early birds will arrive around 4:30 am. “I like these times of day when people are quiet, and I have a lot of freedom, since I go home in the early afternoon…”. Around 6 a.m., when the crowds die down, he treats himself to a Parisian-style coffee/croissant, then resumes service until the last customer is served. Sunil and his team clear away, tidy up and clean up, before setting up for the next day… Mauritians with a Day Pass might bump into him in this restaurant in the late morning.
At the end of the year, when the hotel is at full capacity, his team numbers around ten. “Even when it’s busy, you always have to stay calm…” he says. Our man has a secret: “I have a little word for every customer, whatever their country! I’ve learned expressions in every language: Japanese, Chinese, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, etc.” The detail that changes everything! Sunil loves his job so much that two of his daughters, Devianee and Sonia, and his son-in-law, Ravi, are already following in his footsteps… in thesame kitchens!
* Beautiful presentation adds value to a dish.