Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Gavino.
Hi Esther, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Esther Gavino, and I’m the founder of Taste of Paella. I was born and raised in Marbella, in the south of Spain, where sharing good food around the table isn’t just a tradition — it’s a way of life.
In Spain, it’s common for family and friends to come together on weekends to cook paella. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a celebration.
Those moments taught me that food has the power to connect people, tell stories, and create lasting memories. Inspired by that spirit of togetherness and authenticity, I wanted to bring the flavors of my homeland to others.
That’s how Taste of Paella was born — from family tradition, a deep respect for quality ingredients, and the joy of sharing delicious food made with love and care.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting my paella business has been a rewarding journey, but definitely not without its challenges. In the beginning, I had to manage everything on my own—from sourcing ingredients and handling logistics to building a client base from scratch. Each obstacle taught me valuable lessons about planning, resilience, and attention to detail.
As the business started to grow, new challenges emerged. Managing a larger inventory, handling legal paperwork, and expanding operations pushed me out of my comfort zone. Bringing in new team members meant learning how to delegate effectively and trust others with the vision I had built. We also had to adapt our product to meet the evolving preferences of our guests, which required constant innovation.
That said, introducing paella as our signature dish was a natural fit. Today, people are passionate about travel, and Spain remains one of their favorite destinations—so our food and rich culture immediately resonated with them. That cultural connection laid a strong foundation for everything we’ve built since.
Most importantly, this project wouldn’t have seen the light of day without the technical and emotional support of my husband, Adolfo Ordonez. His belief in the vision, and the countless ways he has supported me behind the scenes, have been fundamental to getting this business off the ground and helping it grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of Taste of Paella. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We’re a catering company specializing in delivering an authentic Spanish culinary experience, centered around our signature on-site cooking of paellas. We use only top-quality ingredients, like Albufera rice, a premium rice that absorbs flavor without losing texture. Our seafood is always fresh, sourced locally whenever possible, and we cook exclusively with extra virgin Spanish olive oil for its rich, smooth taste and health benefits. We also incorporate pimentón dulce — sweet smoked paprika from La Vera — which adds depth, color, and an unmistakably Spanish aroma to many of our dishes.
In addition to our paellas, we’re passionate about tapas — the small appetizers that are a cornerstone of Spanish cuisine. Every tapa we serve is homemade from scratch, using traditional Andalusian recipes. From tortilla de patatas, gazpacho to gambas al ajillo, we aim to honor the roots of each dish while elevating it with exceptional ingredients and thoughtful presentation.”
What truly sets us apart is our deep connection to Southern Spain. The flavors, the spirit, and the warmth of our culture are reflected in every bite. We don’t just serve food — we bring a piece of Spain to every event. That’s what we’re most proud of: creating memorable experiences through authentic cuisine, heartfelt hospitality, and a genuine love for what we do.
What are your plans for the future?
We’re definitely in a growing phase, and we’re really excited about what’s ahead. Our goal is to expand our team and operations so we can bring “Taste of Paella” to more people and more places – especially focusing on corporate events and reaching a broader audience.
We’re also exploring ways to make our events more immersive. One idea we’re especially excited about is offering live Spanish entertainment, like flamenco shows, as an optional addition. It’s a wonderful way to share even more of our culture and create a truly memorable experience for those who want the full Taste of Spain..
At the same time, we’re constantly developing new recipes — staying creative, exploring flavors, and finding little ways to keep surprising our guests.
As we grow, our biggest priority is keeping our essence intact. Staying true to our roots, using the best ingredients, and giving every guest that warm, authentic experience that defines who we are.
Pricing:
- Pricing can be found on our website at www.tasteofpaella.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tasteofpaella.com
- Instagram: @tasteofpaella
- Facebook: Taste of Paella
