Andre: The Fixer, The Foodie, The Face of Tapas

If you’ve ever been served by Andre, you’ve experienced some of the best hospitality on the island. Andre is a natural.

Meet our Restaurant Manager Andre: The Fixer, The Foodie, The Face! 

Name: Andre
Nationality:
Portuguese

If you’ve ever been served by Andre, you’ve experienced some of the best hospitality on the island. Andre is a born natural. He started his career with us in our former sister restaurant Relish in 2018, working behind the bar. He then joined Team Tapas in 2022 on the floor team.

Andre has many strings to his bow—whether he’s running food, coordinating the kitchen, serving tables in the garden, making cocktails at the bar, or even casually fixing something on the roof, he’s always got things under control.

What was your very first job in hospitality?

The first job I had was in Hard Rock Cafe in Lisbon, I was 20. I was the youngest, and they teased me for it, but I didn’t mind. I started as a busser, cleaning and being everywhere at the same time. It was fun.

You are Portuguese, what first brought you to Ibiza? And how many years have you been on the island?

I have been on the island in Summer for eight years now, we wanted to try different places and travel. We love islands, so we thought this one would be a good one to try. And all these years on we are still enjoying it as much as when we first arrived. 

What do you think it takes for a restaurant to be successful? What are the key ingredients?

I think the most important thing is for people to feel heard. And by people, I mean both the team and the customers. That along with consistency, and trying to do your best every day.

You are a real foodie, do you like to cook at home?

Yes, I like to cook. I enjoy making pizzas and pasta. I love a good morning breakfast too, toast and avocado, fruit smoothies. Oh, and nachos with guacamole and cheese sauce! But that’s more of a winter thing. In the summer, we don’t have much time (or energy) to cook.

You are a skilled bar tender too. What is your favourite cocktail and why?

I love an Amaretto sour, it has an amazing flavour. Or a Caipirinha, It’s the simplest and most natural cocktail—just limes, sugar, and fermented sugar cane (cachaça)

Where was your favourite restaurant experience this Summer?

It was an evening at the Aquarium in San Antonio for the sardines night. We went for a friend’s birthday, and it was a very nice experience. You are next to the water and they just keep bringing you more sardines, so everyone is happy. It is a good place to be with friends, not spending so much money and having a great time.

Also, Yalla in Santa Gertrudis is incredible. They’re doing their thing really well.

Where have you enjoyed the best cocktails on the island this Summer?

La Santa—it’s the place to go. They have some of the best bartenders. Even the classics are incredible, and it’s right here in San Antonio. Fernando is a very cool guy, and the venue is super cosy. They do an old-fashioned with orange jam, and it is a very nice cocktail.

What do you think of the high-end concept dining experience that has been infiltrating the island so prevalently in the last few years?

I think people should pay more attention to the smaller, independent places rather than just going to the big, commercial ones. People should read more and do their research before choosing where to eat—check out who’s actually number one in the area online.

Ibiza is getting a bit too commercial. I’m sure the quality at these high-end spots isn’t bad, but the price tag is always extremely high, and often not justified. Catering only to tourists is a big mistake, in my opinion. In fact, it’s a mistake that many cities make—focusing only on visitors. It’s a shame.

What is your favourite dish on the tapas menu?

The Braised lamb, it is a great dish. It has a lovely selection of flavours and the oils, and I love the orzo pasta. It is such a nice dish that I don’t get tired of.

Describe your perfect day off.

Not waking up too early, so I can rest. Then buying some fruit, having a coffee and going to the beach. After that, home for a shower before going out for dinner—ideally catching a gig and enjoying some cocktails. Then heading home with my lady.

So that’s our wonderful Manager Andre.
Be sure to say Hi to him next time you are in Tapas.

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