Director of Food & Beverage
at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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E: What are your responsibilities?
A: My main responsibilities are to look after the daily food and beverage operations making sure we as a team commit to delivering excellence, anticipating our guests’ needs and fulfilling their expectations.
E: What makes a typical day?
A: Every day in F&B is different, and that is one of the things I like the most of my job, but I would say a typical day consists of meeting our guests to learn more about their needs and what they are looking for and making sure that they have an unforgettable experience with us. Of course, this could not be possible without our team, who go above and beyond to please our guests.
E: Your best attribute?
A: I am a people person; perhaps my best attribute would be that I connect with people very fast, whether it is with our guests or with our team members. I love talking to our guests, giving them advice when visiting our restaurants for the first time, suggesting things for them to do or places to visit when planning a day off-property, and that is something I encourage our team to do. When we create strong relationships with our guests is when we can surprise them!
E: Team player or team leader?
A: I strongly believe it has to be both. It is very difficult to be a leader if you are not a player, and in my case it helped me tremendously to start from the bottom and to play various F&B roles before becoming director of F&B. I still love taking orders and being at the pass!
E: Who has been the most influential figure in your career to date?
A: I am lucky to have worked in very well-known properties with so many professionals who helped me and guided me through my career, so I could name a few. But definitely Rivero Delgado, who was my general manager when I got my first job in hospitality after finishing university; she has been a reference since then and she still is. The way she managed the property and her career evolution has been a huge inspiration for me and for other women pursuing a career in hospitality.
E: Name one really special thing about your hotel?
A: For me, the most special thing of our property is, without doubt, our team. A very professional group of ladies and gentlemen who are genuinely taking care of our guests and making the impossible possible. We would not be the same without such a strong and committed team.
E: How do you unwind?
A: Travelling the world – discovering Southeast Asia during the last few years has been an unforgettable experience, going out for lunch or dinner and practicing yoga.
E: Dead or alive, who would you like to take out to dinner?
A: The list is endless but I would choose my friends from Barcelona. A nice and relaxed evening with some salads, fresh seafood and a good bottle of wine!
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Jalan Kedewatan, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3614792777
E: reservations.mandapa@ritzcarlton.com
Exquisite Taste September – November 2019
