Icebergs Sunday recovery brunch to kick start Sun-Herald 'month of Sunday' food series

If there is one meal of the week that encapsulates 'Sydney', it has to be a lazy Sunday brunch.

That's the view of Monty Koludrovic, Head Chef at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Bondi, who launches The Sun Herald's 'Month of Sunday' series on October 4 with his unique "long-weekend' take on the traditional brunch experience.

Dubbed the 'Sunday Recovery', guests can arrive early at the venue's Terrace Cafe to coffee and a pass that provides access to the iconic Icebergs ocean pool and adjoining gym, sauna and spa. After a quick shower, it's back upstairs to the Icebergs dining room where Koludrovic and his team will lay on a lavish brunch, set against the backdrop of one of Sydney's most breathtaking views.

"This is a concept for people recovering from both sides of the fence," he said. "You might be recovering from a long, hard working week and wanting to kick off your weekend with a little exercise, some juice and a healthy start to the day. Alternatively, you could be recovering from a big night out and wishing to roll on through with breakfast, Martini's and endless proseccos."

Raised in Lismore, Byron and Nimbin on the far North Coast of NSW, Koludrovic's passion for food has taken him far and wide.

His culinary adventures include a food pilgrimage across Europe where he honed his skills at renowned establishments such as La Trompette and The Dorchester Hotel in London. However, his passion for food all stems from a stint, during his TAFE days, spent watching, learning and working in Sydney's bustling cafes. He recalls, with fondness, how the all-day Sunday breakfast was – and still is – a "staple" inclusion on Sydney cafe menus. "You would never dare to not do it," he said.

Fast forward to last year and when an invitation arrived from Icebergs director Maurice Terzini, offering Koludrovic the opportunity to reinvent the Icebergs dining experience, one of the first of "many major changes" was to introduce Sunday brunch.

"The dining room at Icebergs looks absolutely phenomenal throughout the various times of day," explained Koludrovic who added: "We were maximising them all – except pre-noon. So here I now am, returning to my roots…cooking eggs. I am loving it."

While Sundays are synonymous with spending time with loved ones, his own window with wife Jaci, and their two young children, is short if not sweet.

Having originally met in the kitchen at Justin North's former Sydney eatery Becasse, the couple are again rubbing shoulders at work, with Jaci having taken up the position of pastry chef, at Icebergs.

"I usually do brunch and lunch on a Sunday and then when I get home, we do a little baton change and she heads in to do dinner," he said.

Iceberg's Sunday Recovery: Date: October 4 from 7am (brunch served at 10.30am) Price: $55-$90 (includes access to pool/leisure facilities) Reservations: idrb.com or call 02-9365-9000