INTERVIEW

How did you meet, and how did the idea to create Brasero Atlántico and Florería Atlántico come about? 

Tato: We met in 2018 after Wolfgang Puck and Alex visited Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires. After their visit I started talking with Alex often, and we ended up starting this new company with the idea of expanding Florería Atlántico and Brasero Atlántico along with another few concepts. So here we are now. Working and trying to plant a little Argentinean seed in different parts of the world. 

Alex: Sitting together at the countertop at Cut Singapore, we realized that something had to happen that would unite us on a dreamlike venture with a fun, cool, creative, and energetic culture. It was only a matter of time, letting the seeds develop and click to organically happen. 

What is the vibe and aesthetic at each, and what are some highlights on both menus? 

Alex: I think Brasero, which is on street level, has a feel of a rustic, everyday hangout, naked and decadent walls, open and exposed ceilings, with an accent of a warm feeling and the powerful energy of a gigantic sea monster painting, done by Tato himself, on the wall. The food is reminiscent of the “stop and go” parrilla, brasas, and the brasseries of Buenos Aires, where meats, pâtés, and preserves are the dominant force, culinarily speaking. 

As far as Florería, it’s an underground, magical world of two areas, the earth with its terra colours, and the sea, as the back of the room turns blue with an underwater sensation, with a gorgeous small private room right behind the bar, served by bartenders themselves, with access that allows the guests to really be part of the hustle and bustle and cool activity of the bar, kind of behind the scenes. 

The menu is about the sea and its creations, crudos, fish, seafood, and occasionally a small touch of carnivorous poetry!! 

Why did you pick the Born neighborhood in Barcelona? 

Tato: To be honest the neighbourhood picked us. In our expansion plan Barcelona was a late option but the universe moves in mysterious ways, haha! We are lucky to be in one of the hottest spots of the city. Born is full of life and the right place for our venues.  

Alex: Correct!! Things happens for a reason, and casually an Argentine family reached out to Tato to find out about our interest in taking over their place!! And here we are…

Argentina is culturally rich, and its cuisine reflects this. How is this received in Barcelona, and who do you find comes to your spaces more, locals or tourists?  

We are being very well received by the neighbors and the local press too; it is important for us that every venue that we open feels welcoming to everybody. Locals, tourists, anyone, we hope that we can create the same vibe that we have in Argentina where everybody is welcome, and you find a beautiful mix of cultures, people, and places all sharing the same space with a smile in their faces. 

What’s next for you both? 

So much, haha! Washington DC is coming, and Miami is pretty close to having a deal there. Coming very soon is a 3-month pop-up of Florería Atlántico and Brasero Atlántico at the Four Seasons hotel in Singapore, and also the development of another new concept we have called Asttral. Watch this space!

@floreriaatlanticobcn
@braseroatlanticobcn
https://www.fourseasons.com/singapore/dining/restaurants/brasero-and-floreria-pop-up/