Tamara’s interview is part of our question & answer series on the people who make your Barcelona experience so memorable.
Q: What is your favorite cocktail to make at Barcelona? In general?
At Barcelona, the Bourbon Spice Rack and in general a martini.
Q: How do you handle a big rush at the bar? Does it stress you out or do you stay calm?
A: I stay calm for the most part I just try and take care of the customer first. I use a first-come first-served strategy.
Q: What is your idea of the perfect cocktail?
A: Something balanced perfectly with liquor, sweetness and garnished properly.
Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t bartending?
A: I would probably be selling liquor or organizing events.
Q: What is the best pick-up line you’ve heard at the bar?
A: Nothing crazy, they usually just ask for my number.
Q: What/Who inspires you?
A” I started drinking wine with my uncle while I was growing up and we would pair foods with wine. When I started working here, I started learning more from Jose and Ceylan. They’d to take me to tastings and I learned a lot, it drove me to take more classes and learn more about wine.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Be confident, keep learning, and always try your best in whatever you choose to do.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: When people tell me what to do and judge me if I don’t listen to them.
Q: What is your favorite sports team?
A: Chivas, soccer team from Mexico.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: My aunt who lives in LA, she’s a very smart, nice and strong woman that left her family from Mexico to have a better future with kids. She managed to do well, educate her children, other children and everyone else. She’s a teacher and always knew how to deal with other people and give them advice.
Q: What would you do with an entire year off?
A: I would work on something different and something that really interests me. I would probably take some more wine courses and any courses I like and take it easy.
Q: Describe your personal style.
A: Simple and modern.