Stefana Patrascu, born in Romania and raised in Canada, had her first job at age 14 in a local bar whilst still at school. She was passionate about fashion, and worked in hospitality to support her studies at a fashion college.
“I was a bar manager, so there were a lot of tips” said Patrascu.
After discovering that the fashion industry scene was not for her, Stefana decided to travel. She landed in Queenstown in December 2019 after a travelling friend had told her it was a place she had to visit. She planned to travel around New Zealand in the following months, but things changed rapidly for the tourist town, and her plans, when the pandemic began.
She found employment through Future Hospitality, and under the mentorship of Liam Cabourn, she took over the reins as site manager at Little Blackwood in Queenstown.
Her favourite type of drink to serve is ‘boozy but balanced’ stir-downs, with her personal favourite being a negroni. She likes to discover what guest’s favourite drinks are, and enjoys being able to offer them new experiences, such as something sweet or something with a bit of spice. Patrascu said that working with premium spirits is something that she enjoys being able to do, and she is always interested in the preference of her guests as well.
Patrascu takes pride in providing the perfect experience for her guests, aiming to create an atmosphere that makes them want to come back time and time again. Connecting with her guests and hearing their stories is the highlight of the job for her. Patrascu said that there is a specific strength required for the job.
“This industry is very hands-on and ‘people forward, so for the next generation of hospo, I believe strong mentorship will be super important to ensure to build resilience and longevity in the industry.”
She added that the things she has learnt in hospitality, such as ‘reading’ people, observing, understanding and empathy, play a big part in many areas of her life. Her advice to those starting out in the industry is to remember that although there may be bad days, tomorrow is always a new day. She believes that working with a supportive group of staff, always makes the work day easier.
Her goal for the future is to keep Little Blackwood ahead of the curve and continue serving innovative cocktails, whilst hosting approachable, fun events. Creating a culture that is bright and energetic is something that she looks forward to continuing. She also hopes to stay inspired and grow her leadership skills.
In her spare time, Patrascu likes to spend much of it outdoors, especially hiking in the mountains. Her three-month visit has turned into a four-year stay, and Patrascu has no intention of leaving just yet.
