A Day in the Life: From restaurant Hustle to Reality TV
For many, the image of a reality TV star conjures up a life of glamour and ease. But for Mateo, the charismatic host of First Dates Ireland, the reality is far more grounded – and far busier. His day begins long before the cameras roll, blending the demanding life of a restaurant owner with the unexpected demands of television stardom.
His Saturdays start early, at 7 a.m., with a brisk run and walk with his dog, Zola, in Dublin’s Sundrive Park. “I’ll go for a walk with Zola…and force her to run 5km — at least she doesn’t bark any more!” he laughs, highlighting the importance of health and fitness amidst his busy schedule. He skips breakfast, opting rather for a caffeine kick – two flat whites followed by a refreshing orange juice or smoothie, before heading to work.
By 8:30 a.m., Mateo is at Ian’s Kitchen by Mateo in Kimmage, his bustling restaurant. “We open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.,” he explains. “We specialize in breakfast and brunch, and we’re also open for dinner Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We open the doors at 9 a.m., I put my head down and don’t get a chance to look up until about 4 p.m.” Even with the added fame, his dedication to his restaurant remains unwavering.
The restaurant’s daily operation is a whirlwind of activity. “On a busy day it will be me plus one other person on the floor and a barista,” he says. Despite his television presence, Mateo remains remarkably down-to-earth. “Even though I’m on TV it’s no big deal when it comes to the customers. They see me running around on the floor of the restaurant and they have the good sense to leave me alone and let me do my job.” His long-standing presence in dublin has fostered a pleasant familiarity with his community.
His on-screen persona mirrors his real-life personality. “The persona you see on the TV is the same persona you get in real life — it doesn’t bug me what people expect or don’t expect me to be like — I passed that stage in life ten years ago.If you like me, cool, if you don’t, cool,” he states with a refreshing honesty.This grounded approach to fame is a testament to his character.
Filming days for First Dates Ireland add another layer to his already packed schedule. “If we are filming…I will arrive at 10 a.m. We’ll have breakfast and then I’ll go and put my suit on,” he explains. The day unfolds with a carefully choreographed dance of welcoming daters, guiding them to their tables, and then seamlessly handing them off to the bar staff. “My main interaction with the daters is at the door and a little bit afterwards at the bar,” he clarifies,emphasizing the collaborative nature of the production.
The success of the show, he credits to the professionalism of the team. “Janine, our floor manager, is fantastic at keeping us all in order and running everything to schedule on the day. The history of the show says it works. It’s a professional production — everybody knows what they’re doing. If you gave the production to me it woudl have been shut down in year one but these people really know what they’re doing,” he admits with a self-deprecating chuckle.
Mateo attributes the show’s enduring popularity to its relatability and its voyeuristic appeal. ”I think everyone loves First Dates Ireland as it appeals to people of all ages. People also love to be a fly on the wall — there is something in us humans that is voyeuristic — we like to see things we are not supposed to see,” he observes. He also notes the show’s evolution to reflect societal changes: “The show has changed along with a changing society — it is more diverse now because society has become more diverse and more open about that diversity.”
His dedication to his craft is evident in his approach to his work. ”I don’t take a break during service.Breaks are for amateurs. Gastronomy doesn’t work this way — in a restaurant you take a break when it’s time to take a break, not when you think it’s time to take a break,” he declares. This commitment extends beyond the restaurant, reflecting his overall approach to life.
His day concludes late, often around 11 p.m., a testament to his tireless work ethic. Mateo’s story is a compelling blend of hard work, dedication, and a touch of reality TV magic, showcasing a life far more complex and engaging than the typical portrayal of a celebrity.
The high-Stakes Life of a TV Producer: Long Hours,Coffee,and the Pursuit of Consistency
The life of a television producer is often portrayed as glamorous,but the reality is far more demanding. One producer,whose daily routine offers a glimpse into this world,shared insights into the dedication and discipline required for success. Their typical workday extends late into the night,a testament to the tireless effort behind bringing entertainment to our screens.
“I’ll finish work around 11:30 p.m.,” the producer explained. “I’ll go straight home to my family who are all asleep. I’ll hang around for about half an hour and then I’ll head to bed. I might occasionally watch a movie, but I try not to because half an hour can become three hours, and then I’ll suffer the next morning when I have to go to work.”
The demands of the job require a level of self-discipline that many find challenging. “In this business, you have to be quite disciplined and you have to be consistent, which, as you know, is one of the rarest human conditions and one of the hardest to achieve,” they noted. “he who achieves consistency has a fighting chance, but if you don’t have consistency, there may be trouble ahead.”
Even the seemingly simple act of consuming caffeine becomes a carefully managed aspect of this demanding schedule. ”My ten cups of coffee a day don’t prevent me from sleeping—it’s a normal thing for me,” the producer revealed. “If I had just nine cups a day, my body would think there was something missing.” The cycle repeats, with the producer facing another long day on Sunday.
This dedication mirrors the commitment seen in many high-pressure professions across the U.S., from surgeons working long shifts to entrepreneurs building their businesses. The relentless pursuit of excellence, often requiring sacrifices, is a common thread.
First Dates Ireland Returns
For those seeking a break from the intensity of such demanding careers, a popular television show offers a lighter form of entertainment.First Dates Ireland returns to screens this Thursday, january 9, at 9:30 p.m. on RTÉ2. Viewers can also catch up on the RTÉ Player.
The show’s return provides a welcome contrast to the demanding schedules of those working behind the scenes,highlighting the balance between the creation and consumption of entertainment.
