A beloved Croatian seafood restaurant has decided to shut up shop after more than 25 years in business to sail into the European sunset in retirement.
Maestral Mediterranean Seafood Restaurant will be serving up their last dish on December 23, after opening its doors to the hungry residents of Weston Creek in 1998.
For 25 years Julian and Julie Skaljac, with the help of their daughters Anna and Andrea, treated Canberra to delectable Croatian and Australian seafood inspired dishes from grilled octopus, fish stew to seafood risotto.
Mr Skaljac said since announcing their closure the restaurateurs were “pretty much booked out” until their final night.
“It’s madness,” he said. “Everyone wants to come to the last supper.”
The 68-year-old provides his culinary prowess to hundreds of loyal clientele from Weston Creek and beyond, saying it was the secret to their success.
“I’ve become tired over the years but I’ve had the best time here,” Mr Skaljac said.
“That’s the beauty about suburbia, you meet people and you become friends with them, it’s not like in a city or commercial area.
“People come in and you welcome them into your life.”
The 68-year-old said he spent half a century in the industry, starting out as an apprentice in Croatian hotels and restaurants.
His craft took him to Germany, France and the merchant navy, meeting his wife Julie along the way who was born in Queanbeyan.
The pair made their way to Australia in 1997 and opened their restaurant in 1998.
Their restaurant has always been family oriented with both daughters helping in whatever way they can.
The 68-year-old was hoping they would possibly takeover one day however they have forged their own futures.
Mr Skaljac said he enjoyed the ritual of his return customers, saying “suburban business is the best business”.
“If you’re doing what you do properly, they come in weekly, or fortnightly and they have their table, and it’s just part of their life,” he said.
Mr Skaljac said there were too many great moments to single out, saying his love for the restaurant’s loyal patronage was his favourite memory.
The owner said he looked forward to going back to Croatia in the summer, following the New Year in Australia.
Dining and Cooking