THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE
REBECCA JONES
In this series, I’ve been talking with people who are quietly holding the fort at home giving support to those who front our favourite Ponsonby eateries. We know Chris Rupe from the iconic SPQR which we have been enjoying for nearly twenty years. Most of us have eaten there at one time or another and it is known as a great place to get Italian food; to have a bit of fun and to watch the world go by. This month I spoke with Meegan Rupe, wife and friend to Chris and mother to six month old Jacques Romeo. Meegan has been in the fashion industry all her life, growing up with her parents in the international rag trade and spending much of her adult life forging a career in fashion. She is a senior fashion buyer and has taken a year off to enjoy with her family. Meegan and Chris met about eight years ago. Even though both have very high powered jobs, they have always made the time to talk through their ideas and spend time with each other. “We’re really into health and fitness and walk every morning, talking non-stop about what I want to do in the fashion industry or what new ideas Chris has for the restaurant” she says. You’ll see them at the Saturday markets checking out fresh produce and on Sundays they will be reading cookbooks and trying out new recipes. Meegan says she has no day to day input in the restaurant; instead, she makes sure the house is warm and inviting, the toys are put away, the lights are dimmed and candles are lit for when Chris comes home. “I’ve always tried to have it that way, but I was off on buying trips every six or eight weeks, now, because I’m home with Jacques, I have more opportunity to do nice things for him”. SPQR is like a second home for Jacques and it’s where his older sister Courtney works. Chris is determined Jacques will be a foodie and wants him to try all sorts of different food. He gets handed around the kitchen and all the staff dote on him. “He’s a real hospo baby” says Meegan.
MEEGAN and CHRIS RUPE with six month old JACQUES ROMEO Chris loves everything Italian and maintains travel and experiencing the real Italy is the key to keeping his interest in the restaurant. On their last trip they were married in a small village by Lake Como. “We were there with some really close friends and family and had to walk through the village from the church to where our reception was held. All the people came out of their houses and shops, they were clapping and cheering, it was an amazing experience and like a dream come true” says Meegan. Fashion and hospitality share some similarities, both being fast paced and customer focused. The difference is, in fashion, competitors are quite secretive, not wanting to give away their latest creation, whereas, in hospitality there is real camaraderie. Megan says, when she met Chris she was surprised there was such a tight network. “It’s great he can ring up other restaurateurs and ask how things are going. Everyone looks after each other and is willing to help each other out. Sometimes it takes us over an hour to walk down Ponsonby Road because of all the people we stop and talk to along the way. We are such a great community and I don’t think I could ever move out of the area”. A few years ago, Meegan and Chris almost lost their lives in the Tsunami following the earthquake in Samoa; they literally ran for their lives with only the clothes on their backs. Meegan says “It was a life changer for us. We literally changed our lifestyle, took a look at how we were working and realised what’s important is family. I was so involved with my career and hardly ever saw my parents, now I see them three or four times a week. You can’t get that time back and I’m never going to get this time again with Jacques and Chris so I’m making the most of it”.
GRACE RAMIREZ, JULIE LE CLERC and NATALIA ESCOBAR
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
Having a baby has also taught Meegan patience, openness and to stop, listen and appreciate the moment. “I was working really hard in my career, going push, push, push. It was always about ‘what’s next?’ When you take a step back, the opportunities just come to you. I have to remind Chris of that, he’s always planning the future. It’s great to have goals, but you have to enjoy the moment, otherwise, life will pass you by.” (REBECCA JONES) PN
DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH October 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+
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