Meet Catarina - Relationships & Events Manager at Fazenda Liverpool

This week we went to the city of Liverpool and met our Relationships & Events Manager over coffee. We asked her a few questions so you could get to know her a little better, Fazendeiros.

1- Tell us your Fazenda Story

I always love to talk about this.
I started as a guest, can you imagine? I fell in love so hard with Fazenda that from my first experience I decided ‘I need to be part of this’ and full of confidence on the same day I had a chat with a manager. A month after I started and the rest is just history. From junior waitresses, to reception supervisor I made my way up to my goal at Fazenda: REM. Four years later I’m still passionate about making our guests feel special. Hospitality runs in my DNA and Fazenda matches the way we all should do hospitality and my desire to make people feel special.

2- Share with us a moment of pride from the last year in your role as Liverpool REM

Many! I’m fortunate enough that I have the job I want and have so many happy/proud moments, even the smallest ones, when guests appreciate me and make me feel that I was part of a happy and memorable moment of their lives. Also, the first time I represented my team when we won Restaurant of the Year. It’s a moment that makes my heart melt just thinking of it. Not because of me, but for the Team, who make me feel lucky to be around with. It’s such a moment of pride when we are recognized.

3- What's your go-to when you need to decompress/rest?

Nothing beats my spin classes. I’m obsessed. Those 30-40 minutes take me to a different space. The loud music, dark room and pushing myself might sound crazy but it makes me relaxed and feeling that I’m unstoppable. Back in Portugal I am from a coastal city, which allowed me to have a beach at my doorstep, so it has always been the place that I search when I need to think, take a break... just be there with my own thoughts. Luckily, now in Liverpool I have the same opportunity, so when I can't spin, Crosby is the destination!

4- Last TV series you watched and loved (and would recommend!)

The Crown. It is probably one of my favourites of all the time. Since the first minute of the first season I loved it. It is so well represented, outstanding cast and cannot wait for the season finale (maybe with some tears as it comes to an end). It made me want to explore more. I recommend it to everyone.

5- Tell us about your favourite Portuguese recipe.

We are so rich in food, we have so many different recipes that I could be here all day but Bacalhau Com Natas is a classic and confront food. Cod is very popular in Portugal, although it came from Norway. For Christmas it is a must but anytime Bacalhau is a good choice when inviting guests or just having a regular dinner. It's very simple: think cod, fresh cream, potatoes, onion and loads of garlic fried and then off to the oven with some parmesan cheese on top and parsley. Pronto!

6- Last but not least, favourite Fazenda Meat, Wine and Side Dish.

Picanha will always be picanha but.. our Porco Doce has been always my favourite. I always recommend it to my guests and it never ever disappoints. Feijoada it is a must too. I’m a wine lover, and we are so rich with our wine, so it’s hard to choose but the last one I had was Caballo Loco and WOW. And desserts… well, for me desserts should be in first place on a meal because it’s my favourite part so I have to say Marquise. Just thinking about it, my mouth is already melting.

We're definitely finding out more about that Bacalhau recipe to give it a try, Fazendeiros. Don't hesistate to say hi to Catarina next time you're in Liverpool!