Reeling in Success
If you have been on the island for longer than a day and consider yourself well-versed in the restaurant scene, the chances are you’ll have heard of Adam Demanuele,the visionary behind “The Seafood Market Grill by Adam” in Gzira. If you haven’t, here’s all you need to know. A man whose journey through the culinary landscapes of Malta and beyond has been nothing short of exhilarating, Adam’s story is a tale of perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of culinary perfection.
Childhood Dreams and Early Inspirations
Adam’s love affair with the culinary world began in his childhood, in the vibrant environment of his father’s gelateria. “From a very early age, I knew that one day, I wanted to be a chef,” he reminisces, his eyes sparkling with the same excitement that fueled his early dreams. This early exposure ignited a passion that would take him far beyond the shores of Malta.
Climbing the Culinary Ladder
After honing his skills at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), Adam’s career took off with stints in several five-star hotels and prestigious restaurants in Malta. His thirst for knowledge and excellence led him to the UK, where an internship at the Hilton provided invaluable experience. “I met an Italian chef who worked with the Formula 1 BMW team. Joining him was one of my greatest experiences, as I was exposed to truly luxurious service,” Adam shares, highlighting a pivotal moment in his career.
Triumphs and Tribulations
Adam’s journey was not without its challenges. After a fruitful period running La Dolce Vita with a Sicilian partner, a betrayal left him at a crossroads. However, his resilience shone through. “That year, I married my wife Romina and started thinking about a change in lifestyle to prioritise family,” he reveals. This led him to take up concessions at More Supermarkets, an endeavour that ended in adversity when the chain collapsed.
Yet, Adam’s strong spirit pushed him forward. He opened Adam’s Fish Shop in Mosta, which blossomed into a success despite a rocky start. “Six weeks later, with a lot of help, I opened Adam’s Fish Shop. It was a rollercoaster ride, but the shop slowly became a success,” he smiles, reflecting on the journey.
Recognising Malta’s untapped potential for providing fresh, gourmet seafood, Adam was astonished by how seldom locals experimented with fresh fish and seafood dishes at home. Determined to change this, he introduced the innovative concept of ‘prepared seafood meals,’ captivating his customers and making seafood dining at home an irresistible experience.
The Birth of The Seafood Market Grill
Despite his success, Adam yearned to return to the restaurant business. “I wanted to return to the restaurant business,” he confesses. He found the perfect spot in Gzira, at an off-the-beaten-track location brimming with potential. “With a lot of persistence and sacrifice, I continued to believe it would work, and I thank God for that, as today we are doing very well,” he notes with satisfaction.
The Seafood Market Grill quickly became a fine example of gastronomic excellence, even in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Work it did,” Adam laughs, recalling the early days. His belief in Gzira’s regeneration paid off, and the restaurant thrived, becoming a solid favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Expanding Horizons
Not one to rest on his laurels, Adam has ambitious plans for the future. “After establishing Adam’s Fish Shop for a number of years, I wanted to really branch out into different markets,” he explains. Today, Adam’s Fish Shop is the go-to supplier for the local superyacht industry, a testament to his understanding of chefs’ needs on these luxury vessels. “We speak the same language, so if a superyacht chef asks me to have calamari cut at 1cm widths, for example, I know he wants them for fritto,” he smiles. Looking ahead, Adam is determined to grow the Adam’s brand, both locally and further afield.
Leadership and Innovation
Adam’s leadership style is inclusive and hands-on. “A good business leader doesn’t act like a boss, but more like a team member,” he believes. This approach has cultivated a strong team spirit and aligned his staff with his vision. “I can have a vision, but if my team is not on board, it is pointless,” he asserts.
In an industry rife with competition, Adam emphasises the importance of innovation. “You must constantly change and innovate, employing chefs with different visions and the motivation to pull them off. You must do what you can to keep yourself one step ahead of your competition,” he advises.
Final Thoughts
Adam concludes our conversation with a piece of advice for aspiring leaders: always believe in yourself. “In the past, when I let others’ opinions influence my decisions, it didn’t end well, so nowadays, I listen to my gut. Do your workings, and if they make sense, go ahead. If you believe in your vision, it will work,” he says with conviction.
At The Seafood Market Grill, each dish is paired with a meticulously selected wine, thanks to the collaboration with Fabien Etienne, a French sommelier and international wine consultant. This ensures a harmonious marriage between the plate and the glass, enhancing the dining experience. What’s more, the restaurant frequently holds sell-out themed events, such as French evenings or Spanish. Be warned: these tables go quickly!
Adam Demanuele’s journey is a shining example of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering passion for food. As he looks to the future, his vision for The Seafood Market Grill will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the global culinary scene.
