Labours of love: Ana-María & Chris
Ana-María and Chris of Taste Croatia, partners in both work and life, on meeting in a nightclub, surviving challenges, and sharing a dream meal by the Adriatic Sea
“WE’VE HAD A VARIETY OF THINGS THROWN OUR WAY: COVID, BREXIT, EVEN CANCER. SOMEHOW, WE SURVIVED IT ALL TOGETHER”
Portraits: Orlando Gili
Unsurprisingly, given the small scale of Borough Market’s businesses, a significant proportion of our stands and stalls are run by couples whose relationships extend through life as well as work: husbands, wives and partners, in various combinations. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, some of these traders have shared with us their love stories and life lessons.
Here, we hear from husband-and-wife team Ana-María and Chris Stewart, the founders of Taste Croatia, a produce stand in Three Crown Square devoted to the food of Ana-María’s homeland.
How did the two of you first meet?
Chris: We met in a nightclub in London. We both love dancing and still do. We then went on holiday to Croatia, where I saw Ana-María in her natural environment and fell more in love with her, as well as with Croatia and its food. It was there that she came up with the idea of a stall at Borough Market. Fifteen years later, here we are.
How central to your connection is a love of food?
Ana-María: We both love good food from a variety of cuisines and Chris in particular loves to cook. Croatia and Borough Market have opened up the opportunity to share our passion for quality ingredients. Working around food is love.
What’s the best thing about working together?
Chris: It allows you to have a strong level of understanding, trust and emotional support. We can bounce ideas and come up with solutions. We can celebrate the successes and support each other through the downs.
What advice would you give a couple who are thinking about starting a business?
Ana-María: It is rewarding but also very challenging. We’ve had a variety of things thrown our way: Covid, Brexit, even cancer. Somehow, we survived it all together. You need to set clear roles and boundaries and utilise each other’s individual strengths and responsibilities. Try not to let work spill into personal life – when you have time off together, don’t discuss the business. Communication is key, listening too! Celebrate the small successes as well as big ones.
Describe for us your dream romantic meal.
Chris: It would be a traditional Croatian dish called ‘peka’. It’s a stew with either octopus, veal or lamb with lots of potatoes, wine, herbs, spices and garlic, slow cooked in a metal dish buried in hot coals for six hours. We would share it in Konoba Ranc Maha, a family-run restaurant on the beautiful island of Korcula. It’s run by a lovely couple and their two giant sons, who cook using ingredients from the island and the surrounding crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
