PEOPLE Pausa restaurant

Just the two of us... at pausa

From Bogota to Tavira, here's the charming story about how mother and daughter team Adriana and Valentina, through determination and hard work, are now one of the city's biggest success stories

The story began in in 2003, when Adriana came to holiday in Tavira from Bogota Colombia, with just two suitcases and a 5 year old daughter, Valentina. This holiday became life changing and a permanent stay. Adriana and her daughter, Valentina, rented a small apartment above the first pizza place in the whole of Tavira, when they first moved here. Later, a fire would render it derelict for many years. Little did anyone know then that it would, in time, become "Pausa" a well known, much loved, mother and daughter owned and run restaurant. Adriana has a determination that is rare, this attribute is what brought her to Tavira, gave her the staying power and it is this same determination that led her to open Pausa in 2015 with her daughter, Valentina, now no longer a 5 year old, but a high school student. In Colombia Adriana was an architect and it is now her second passion, her first is cooking and dreaming up new recipes for her clients. This switch of career was brought on by Valentina growing up and the need to send her to university. The two weighed up many options and business opportunities and decided that a restaurant would best suit them, it would be a challenge, but a challenge they would take on together and with help from their best friend Isabel, who was from Spain, but lived in Tavira. Adriana and Valentina's new baby was born; Pausa restaurant. The name came from a television series they used to watch together, in which a bar named 'Pausa' was visited regularly. The distinctive logo depicts a Spanish style lady in red. Adriana and Isabel created recipes and set a menu with a Spanish flare, Valentina quickly took over publicity, social media and the day to day management of Pausa. The staffing was easy, all were friends of the family and this same warmth and friendliness is felt and given back to their clients, many of whom are considered extended family members. To not keep you in too much suspense, Valentina did go on to study at university and gained a degree in business management. While studying she continued to post on social media, managed bookings and contacted clients all while living in Australia. Now back in Tavira, the duo are stronger than ever. With their large terrace, live music and delicious food, you are in for a treat and a wonderful evening. Dining at Pausa will give you pause, to enjoy being among friendly people, savour the tapas delicacies prepared for you and the desserts will certainly satisfy those that have a sweet tooth. The pistachio tiramisu is in such demand it can (and in our humble opinion should) be reserved when you book your table using the online booking system. This particular dessert was stumbled upon when the two were on holidays in Rome, Italy,

Andalusian Gazpacho Pistachio Tiramisu Mango, Orange and Chicken salad Prawns with Ginger and Lime Seared Tuna Loin

the pair happened to come across a fatherson owned and run restaurant. Once again Adriana's determination set in and the bones of the much guarded recipe was shared with her, just enough was revealed so she could puzzle the rest out and share it with all of us in Tavira. Naturally, the wine list has its own story and needless to say the selection will not disappoint as it is based on what their regulars enjoy, love and recommend most. The menu offers a great selection, from Octopus, to Pork Cheeks, Seared Tuna Loin and Mushroom Risotto. There is a good selection of Vegetarian dishes, along with Bruschettas and salads. A recent addition is the breakfast menu, which includes Pumpkin Bread with Walnuts, cured Ham and Cheese Toasties, Yogurt with Granola and Fruit or simple Bacon and Eggs. Adriana and Valentina are assisted by long term employees; waiter Ruben, and in the kitchen by Jacqueline. We hope you get a chance to visit Pausa and soak up the atmosphere of Tavira, enjoy the live music, friendly service, great food and of course, become part of the story of Pausa. opening times are: Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm (breakfast and lunch), Mon - Sat 7pm - 10pm (dinner). Tel: 281 023 477 Reservations: www.pausatavira.com Facebook: PAUSA TAVIRA Address: Rua Dr Marcelino Franco, 32 8800-347 Tavira, Portugal