Catalina owner Michael McMahon dead at 66 after heart complications
Michael McMahon, the owner of iconic Sydney restaurant Catalina, is being remembered as “charismatic and generous to a fault” by family and friends including radio legend John Laws, following his death aged 66.
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Michael McMahon, the owner of iconic Rose Bay institution Catalina, has died of heart complications at age 66.
McMahon had suffered from a heart disease for several years although his death came as a shock to family and friends.
“The family remember Michael McMahon as a charismatic and spirited man,” McMahon’s family said in a statement.
“He was opinionated, bombastic and generous to a fault. He LOVED his friends and family.
“For much of their lives, he was the centre of a vibrant social life, but the deterioration of his health over the last decade meant that he had to bid farewell to many of the things that gave him pleasure, like sailing and sharing a great bottle.
“Catalina and his family, however, were his constants, and he remained obsessed with his beautiful creation till his final hours.”
McMahon died at 7pm on Tuesday at the family’s Double Bay home, with wife Judy and son James in the house.
He is also survived by his daughter Kate and son-in-law Brett Dalgairns, son Paul and daughter-in-law Monique, grandchildren Matilda, William, Ethan and Isobel, and sister Louise.
“Judy, Paul, James and Kate had been with him during the day,” the statement read. “He had battled with his health for many years, but in particular, over the last four years. However, he always pulled through, he was very strong.”
McMahon and wife Judy bought into their waterside haunt 25 years ago and saw it grow to become a Sydney staple, hosting the biggest names in the world including Beyonce, Leonardo DiCaprio, Charlize Theron, Al Pacino, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry and hordes more.
McMahon and his wife had worked in hospitality together their whole lives, beginning their careers at Bulletin Place and continuing to Berowra Waters Inn before buying their own venue, Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach, in 1983.
Between 1983 and 1994 they continued their prolific careers with Perry’s at Paddington and Bilson’s at Circular Quay before they purchased what would become their true love, Catalina in Rose Bay.
Tributes have begun pouring for the grandfather and consummate professional.
Veteran radio host John Laws remembered a close friend, who appeared on his show just last week.
“I have been worried about my friend for a long time because I knew he wasn’t well but you couldn’t stop him working — that was Michael,” Laws said.
“There have been some pretty good restaurateurs in Sydney over the past 50 years, when you think of Romano and others, but Michael rose to the top.
“He was the perfect restaurateur … knew his clients, knew what they wanted and treated them accordingly. I have to say, as a friend. I will miss him greatly.
“He always showed great affection to my darling Caroline and always referred to her as ‘his second favourite woman in the world’ (in deference to Judy). I will miss Michael. I can’t say much more.”
Chef Luke Mangan, who called Catalina his local, said the industry has lost another great.
“I’ve been going to Catalina for 20 years and know them really well,” he said.
“He was an incredible addition to our industry and created an iconic Australian venue, not just a Sydney venue, that they maintained and kept to a high standard for such a long time.
“He was always very hospitable and there was always a glass of wine on hand or a taste of champagne and that’s what the restaurant business is all about.
“Every time I’m there they were always there themselves and that’s the sign of a really passionate restaurant owner. We’ve lost another great. My deepest condolences to the family.”
Neil Perry, who worked for McMahon at the beginning of his career, posted his condolences on Instagram
“RIP Michael McMahon. Legend and wonderful mentor. Thank you for giving a young 25 year old nobody an opportunity of a lifetime at Barrenjoey House in 1982. With success at Bilson’s and then the longevity of Catalina, you truly created iconic Australian restaurants. Lots of love and admiration for you and sending my love to Judy, Paul, James, Kate and the entire family. My thoughts are with you.”
Matt Moran also expressed his sadness at the news.
“So sad to hear the passing of Michael McMahon what a legend of our industry, condolences to Judy and family. Thinking of you guys.”
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McMahon’s children have all followed in their parents footsteps, with Paul a photographer working with business and James and Kate running the restaurant daily.
James and Kate are the brains behind the annual Catalina New Year’s Day party that sees social and celebrity elite pack the venue on January 1.