Italian restaurant patriarch Beppi Polese dies
by Leon Gettler
Beppi Polese, the man who created one of Sydney’s most celebrated eateries Beppis has died at the age of 90.
Beppi Polese (Image: Beppi's)
His passing comes a little under three months before his Italian restaurant in Yurong Street was due to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Over the years, Beppis has built a guest list of local and overseas patrons including Frank Sinatra, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Rihanna, Pink, Julio Inglesias, Joe Cocker and Billy Joel. Hollywood star Ben Stiller dined there in January.
The guest list also includes politicians including John Howard, Bob Hawke and Julie Bishop and business magnates like Gina Rinehart and Kerrry Packer.
The place is always filled with people and is a favourite haunt of publicists wooing clients.
The restaurant won 40 awards for its food and service.
Mr Polese, who opened the restaurant in 1956 is survived by his wife Norma, son Mark, daughter-in-law Sheena and grandchildren Luca, Nicolo and Mia.
‘He passed away peacefully at St Vincent’s hospital on Monday following complications with an infection.
Marc Poles, Beppi’s only son, released a statement paying tribute to his father.
“He lived courageously all his life and achieved great things from humble beginnings..He touched so many people’s lives; not only those in his immediate family but those who worked with him and those he served. He was a father figure to so many people and I will miss deeply.”
On Tuesday, Beppis issued a short statement on Twitter: Vale Beppi Polese. A courageous man who created something truly special.
Celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge said Beppi had left a legacy that chefs everywhere could only aspire to.
“Unlike myself, he was just a quiet achiever and went about his business,” Fassnidge told the Daily Telegraph.
“He was the old guard, the pillar we all look up to. You’ve got certain cuisines and he was like the godfather of Italian in Sydney and his name commands respect."
23rd March 2016
