Paulo de tarso interview

We’ve been speaking with Paulo de Tarso, Snr Maitre D’ at Bar Boulud to find out what drives him to be such a big supporter of Action Against Hunger.

Paulo de Tarso 1. How did you find your way to this industry?

I love this industry. I started as a dishwasher in New York as a teenager and worked my way up. I wouldn’t change that path for anything. I gained such an insight and learned at every stage on my way up the ranks. I still find lessons and inspiration all the time. I’ve had some wonderful mentors, colleagues and clients who all share of themselves. This industry is so alive and full. It enables you to meet so many people on a daily basis and share experiences. If you are open, you can gain so much. We learn about ourselves, about life, our industry. It’s a brilliant industry, vibrant and alive and it never stands still.

2. Is this something you’ve always been interested in?

I have always loved the energy, the clientele, and the passion to get everything perfectly in rhythm. It’s an exciting industry. But in truth, I fell into it as a backdrop to other things. Ultimately, I fell in love with it and a career was born.

I’m a people person, so front of house is a natural fit. I love what I do. I love the business. It’s about people, sharing experiences, taking care of all guests and making them feel well looked after. Every day brings something different, you never know what to expect, and that’s exciting and fulfilling.

Customer service is extremely important to me. If you approach it correctly, it can be an art form. The challenge and psychology of it is so interesting to me. Trying to be a step ahead, anticipating the next move, it’s very personal. Once we are on the floor, we have to use all of our senses to set the scene. The restaurant is a living thing; it takes care to keep everything in balance with the different variables of each day. It’s very interesting if you are paying attention. It’s all about the details, the little things. I love helping create the memory. My customer’s well-being is the most important to me.

1st Floor Rear Premises, 161-163 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8JA | Tel: 0208 293 6190 | Fax: 0208 858 8372 | www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk Registered Charity no. 1047501 | A company limited by guarantee registered in England no. 3069468 | Registered office as above

3. What do you hope to achieve in your career in the future?

I love London and I’m excited to be a part of this food revolution. London is becoming the capital of Europe for dining over the past number of years. It’s an exiting time. It’s an honour to be a part of this rebirth of our industry here in London and I hope to continue to grow with it. One day I’ll open my own restaurant.

4.You have been involved in charity work over the years, what interested you in Action Against Hunger as a charity?

Firstly it was a matter of simply liking the people who work for Action Against Hunger. They are a passionate, caring group, and after having spoken with them, I was eager to get involved. I could feel they were committed to making a difference. I personally wear my heart on my sleeve, and it seems we were like-minded in that. Action Against Hunger saves lives and I wanted to be a part of it.

Paulo with Daniel Boulud 5. In 2012 and 2013 you were amongst the top fundraisers for the Love Food Give Food campaign, how were you able to achieve this?

If I am going to get involved with something, I am going in 100%. I believe in helping our fellow human beings, and doing what we can. Thankfully, I have very generous clients, colleagues and friends who also want to help. It’s a matter of getting the word out, and trying to help find a charity that really does get the resources to the people in need.

6. What do you love most about your job?

The people. I get to meet and spend time with so many different people from all over the world. I’ve met world leaders, heads of industry, royalty, and passionate, interesting and truly nice people. There’s always a good conversation! Different backgrounds, different cultures, different stories and occasions. It’s an honour to be a part of it.

1st Floor Rear Premises, 161-163 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8JA | Tel: 0208 293 6190 | Fax: 0208 858 8372 | www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk Registered Charity no. 1047501 | A company limited by guarantee registered in England no. 3069468 | Registered office as above

7. What you say to others within the hospitality industry to get them involved in this campaign against hunger?

Corruption is the biggest disease on this planet. We, as human beings cannot allow this to continue. The children in Africa, or any struggling region, shouldn’t have to suffer because of the greed of others. It’s something we cannot just close our eyes to any longer. This is everyone’s problem, and until we fix this issue of hunger, Mother Earth will never be healed.

London is a brilliant city, Great Britain a great country and our beautiful and growing industry can help to make a difference to those less fortunate. We are part of a privileged society in a luxury industry. We celebrate our comforts every day in a well-deserved, comfortable setting, but those who were not lucky enough to be born into this society, those who are struggling, impoverished and in need, deserve basic human comforts too. They deserve not to go hungry while we stand by. We have to make a stand. We all have a conscience, and I personally like to sleep in peace knowing I took a stand.

Bar Boulud London is just one of hundreds of UK Restaurants supporting Action Against Hunger and Love Food Give Food this Autumn. To view the directory for all restaurants simply click here.

1st Floor Rear Premises, 161-163 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8JA | Tel: 0208 293 6190 | Fax: 0208 858 8372 | www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk Registered Charity no. 1047501 | A company limited by guarantee registered in England no. 3069468 | Registered office as above