
Alex Meimetis shares his journey from Port Melbourne to leading Koi Toy, discussing cultural influences and the essence of leadership in the kitchen.
From growing up in Port Melbourne, cooking alongside his Greek mother, to working across kitchens in Athens, France and Australia, Alex Meimetis’s story has been shaped by movement, patience and an unwavering love of food. It’s a story about learning by watching, earning trust over time, and understanding that leadership, especially in a kitchen, isn’t something you announce, it’s something you show. Now heading up Koi Toy, set within one of Victoria’s most historically complex sites, Pentridge Shopping Centre, Alex cooks in a way that reflects that path. We talked about learning on the job, moving between cultures and cuisines, bringing a team together, and the happiness that comes from creating something and seeing someone else enjoy it.
Host: Jo Rittey
Guest: Alex Meimetis
Organizations: Koi Toy
Places: Port Melbourne, Athens, France, Australia, Pentridge Shopping Centre
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Conversation with a chef podcast page.