"Martin was one of the original business partners involved in The Blues Train, as well as longtime chef at Pasquinis in Point Lonsdale. Our thoughts go out to his family and extended Pasquini's family, especially Rick & Carol". Hugo T Armstrong said.
In more recent times, Martin moved to Vietnam where he became involved in KOTO, an organisation aimed at creating a safe environment where a small group of extremely vulnerable young people can learn and grow.
Martin's specialty was in cooking, where he taught hundreds of former street kids to cook to a professional level. His training helped them complete a journey from the streets to professional kitchens. He was far and away the best person to teach them.
Many of Martin's mentorees are now in stable employment in restaurants throughout Vietnam and all over the world, a real testament to Martin's commitment and abilities.
He used to tell a tale of how he’d first heard about KOTO from a friend who had sent a postcard from the old restaurant. Good food for a great cause. It was a sign and he couldn’t resist it.
Martin brought out the best in people and his ability to absolutely enjoy his surroundings was infectious.
His knack of going with the flow was a master class in how to survive the madness of Hanoi.
When he was out and about he’d constantly greet people with warm hellos. Mostly it was directed at one of his wide circle of friends. On other occasions he’d admit he’d never met them before in his life.
He just liked meeting new people.
His business The Cart survives him and will be carried on using Martin’s recipes. It will provide an income to his Vietnamese business partner and staff.
When he last left Hanoi we thought he was on the mend and it would only be a matter of time before he’d be back in Vietnam. He’d just survived brain surgery and he said it felt like a second chance.
At that point he was still in a wheelchair and we just wanted him to get better. In the end the full extent of his illness revealed itself in Australia and, very very quickly, he was gone.
He touched people’s lives so gently. He wasn’t loud. There was no ego. Just a sense of humour and adventure and a desire to live life to the full. He enjoyed teasing and being teased. Everyone who knew him has a great Martin tale.
A life cut short, maybe, but still a great life.
Please consider making a donation to
KOTO, a cause which provided Martin with much enjoyment and his mentorees with a future.
Donate here.
*excerts and kitchen image courtesy of ourmaninhanoi.com