Meet Sofia: Aragma’s Talented Manager
Anyone who has been a regular at Tapas Ibiza since 2016 will certainly recognise Sofia. She has either greeted you at the front desk, ensured you have everything you need as your waitress, or even shaken your favourite cocktails behind the bar on some days.
When we opened Aragma, Sofia was the obvious choice to head up the team on our new venture.
So we thought we would let you know a bit more about what makes her tick.
Meet Sofia….
Name: Sofia
Nationality: Portuguese
Hometown: Lisbon
What was your first job in hospitality?
It was in Madeira, where I grew up. I was 16, and my Mum was moving to Lisbon and I wanted to stay for the Summer. My Mum said I could if I got a job, so I did. It was a little coffee/snack bar. The owner wasn’t very nice (at all), but it was a good experience. I did everything alone, and the guy on the other shift stole all the tips. My Mum said to do the right thing, so I kept putting the tips in the pot, but he kept stealing them.
How long have you been spending your Summers in Ibiza? And what first brought you to the island?
Andre & I wanted to have an adventure and we were told by our boss at Hard Rock Cafe in Lisbon that there were lots of jobs in Ibiza, and it was good conditions. So we bought a one-way ticket and found an apartment, the rest is history.
We have been coming to Ibiza most Summers since 2016.
How many languages do you speak? And which other language do you wish you could speak?
I speak three languages fluently, Portuguese, Spanish & English. I would love to be able to speak French because I have two French nephews.
Although, if I could just press a button and instantly know them all, that would be amazing.
As Manager you are primarily front of house. You are also a talented bartender. Which side of the bar do you prefer?
Honestly, I prefer doing a little bit of both, not to be stuck doing one thing. I miss the bar some days when I don’t feel like talking to people or being a manager. To just get lost in the tasks, but I love both. Lately, though, I’ve been curious to try out the kitchen and see how it works.
What is your favourite cocktail? Either to make or to drink?
Oooh, I love a Whisky Sour or a Mezcalita, both to make and to drink. I like making stuff that I love to drink, you put more love into it that way I think.
Where is next on your travel bucket list?
Australia. Because I love islands, and it is a very big island. I love the nature, the surfing, the animals and I have lots of friends there. I would love to do a big road trip there.
If you didn’t work in hospitality what would you do?
Something musical or design-wise I think. I’m not sure exactly what, interior design or graphic design, something like that. I enjoy being creative and I love music.
What is your favourite thing on the Aragma Menu, and why?
The Vegetable Gyros Tacos. Because it’s a big celebration of vegetables, and I love how Head Chef Alex makes veggie dishes that are so amazing—even though he isn’t a vegetarian. He does it so effortlessly and it is the best thing ever.
What is your idea of a perfect day off?
Beach days, enjoying a little picnic at the beach and lots of swimming and looking at fish. Then come back and take a nap on the beach. And the best part of the day is when you leave the beach and it is sunset time. And you are ready for some dinner. Go for dinner with (ideally just my boyfriend) then maybe some live music, a cocktail bar for a drink, then go home to sleep.
What is your hospitality pet peeve?
Like most hospitality workers, there are a few. I think it’s when people arrive before the opening time. It’s annoying and a bit disrespectful to the team when they’re still setting up, or eating. It is the only time that we have to eat and have a break, and when you have to cut it short, it’s annoying.
What is your favourite restaurant on the island this year? Other than Tapas or Aragma.
Yalla, in Santa Gertrudis. It’s Middle Eastern cuisine, and it’s just really well done in every way. And the food is just fantastic!
English 
Spanish 
Italian 
Dutch 
French 
German 
