Diving into the world of Divino and Focoso isn't just about serving up extraordinary dishes; it's about crafting moments that stay with you long after the last bite.
And one of the vibrant souls (and one of our longest serving staff members) behind this culinary magic is Petra Bambi Wiesinger. Her journey with us as an employee since 2016 is a testament to our group’s commitment to creating a team that is valued, so that our customers, in turn, will feel valued.
Petra’s Roots
Hailing from Vienna, Austria, and proudly embracing her Korean-Austrian roots, Petra brings a rich cultural blend to her role at Focoso within the Divino family. Fluent in German, English, Chinese, and Korean, she can effortlessly connect with guests from around the world, weaving a warm and inclusive dining atmosphere.
Petra first moved to Taiwan in 2015 to travel for a working holiday, but she quickly fell in love with Taiwan for more than the language.
“I feel that Taiwan has a lot of similarities with Austria, believe it or not,” Petra said. “Many people don’t know as much about Austria compared to Germany, even if we speak the same language. I feel like many people think the same way about Taiwan and China, focusing on the more visible larger country. Taiwan also has a lot of incredible nature that reminds me of home.”
Petra says that she is proud to be a global citizen of the world, bridging cultures and languages from a young age. She feels that Divino and Focoso are the perfect place for her unique skills and upbringing because our clients are also very worldly and well-traveled. She loves that she is able to flex her language skills every night on the job.
A Wine Lover
In addition to her managerial duties, Petra Wiesinger is on a quest to deepen her knowledge of wines. She recently finished her Level 1 WSET credentials and is currently pursuing her Level 2 credentials through a local wine school.
She says that she first enrolled because she felt like she didn’t know a lot about wines beyond Italy, and she’s so glad that this course has helped open up her mind to explore French, Spanish, and new world wines.
“I also am pursuing this because I wanted to be able to give a better understanding and explanation to our clients,” says Petra. “But of course it’s also my own interest and hobby!”
She says that it’s fun when your hobby is something that can actually be put to good use on the job. “Every day is a day for wine homework. I feel so privileged to be able to study something that I love and to be able to share that knowledge with Divino and Focoso clients.”
One added perk about enrolling in the Level 2 WSET certification is that during the classes she gets to socialize with like-minded people, often from the food and beverage industry.
“It’s been a lot of fun to get to know colleagues from other restaurants, wine shops, and hotels. We all love wine but we have different expertise and experience to help one another learn and improve,” says Petra.
The Journey Up: From Part-Time Staff to Manager
Petra's journey with the Divino group began as part-time front staff, a role that later blossomed into managing Focoso. She has actually worked at two of our restaurants - Divino Taipei and Focoso - and her unwavering dedication and passion for the dynamic nature of the restaurant industry are palpable in her day-to-day approach.
"Every day brings something new and unexpected. It's a rollercoaster of opportunities and challenges," she remarks.
What truly captivates Petra about her role at Focoso and Divino Restaurants is the constant evolution and the spirit of teamwork.
"I'm in awe of this team; they inspire me every single day. We fuel each other's creativity and passion," she adds, highlighting the camaraderie that defines the Divino/Focoso family.
What's the Boss's Take?
Chef Enrico Negrini, the owner of the Divino Restaurant group, recognizes Petra's instrumental role in shaping the unique ambiance.
"Petra's dedication to her craft and her knack for infusing creativity into every aspect of her work make her an indispensable asset to the team," says Chef Enrico. "Her commitment to delivering exceptional service perfectly embodies the spirit of Divino. She’s also one of my best friends, and I am so happy to be able to work with a person who takes her work seriously but also seriously loves her work.”
Living the Philosophy
If Petra were to be likened to an Italian wine, she sees herself as an Etna Rosso Wine—a choice that mirrors her introverted yet vibrant personality, akin to a volcano. This choice encapsulates her belief in embracing life fully, staying open to the world, and expressing oneself through experiences.
Petra Bambi Wiesinger's journey at Divino and Focoso isn't just a career trajectory; it's a fusion of passion, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As we celebrate our team members, Petra shines as a beacon of inspiration, contributing to the distinctive and unforgettable experiences that define Divino and Focoso.
Next time you see Petra at Focoso or Divino, be sure to say hello over a glass of wine! We’re sure she’ll have a great recommendation for you and your guests.
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