He’s the Mount Nelson’s GM, and we think his mom makes the finest pasteis de nata ever (they’re on the Nellie’s menu, in case you were wondering). But what else makes globally experienced Portuguese import Tiago Sarmento tick?
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year? And why?
Murder Mindfully by Karsten Dusse – it’s a fun little thriller about a serial killer who found mindfulness in his life.
How do you keep fit?
I work out five days a week at the Mount Nelson gym – early mornings before the sun comes out – mostly doing Calisthenics. I also play touch rugby in a Hamilton Sea Point RFC team twice a week.
Weekday, lowkey restaurant go-to? What do you order?
Bacini’s up the road, for pizza with the kids.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why?
Any paintings by Esther Mahlangu – I love the deep impact of her colours and would buy tons of her work if I could.
What do you regret most?
I’ve forgotten my (very basic) fluency in Mandarin and German.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Smiles around me.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Gisele Bündchen.
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
Falls by Ennio Morricone (off The Mission soundtrack), Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony and Harvest Moon by Poolside.
