It’s only 11am when I sit down with Solia’s Genoveva Rincón, but the arid Avenues eatery is already abuzz with morning diners settling down to enjoy their coffee and Solia’s famous breakfast. “Do you want some breakfast?” Geno asks me as I sit down. “Our breakfast here is delicious”. When I decline her invitation she persists, then settles for serving me a cup of her signature coffee instead. Something I’ve dubbed “the Cappugeno”, consisting of cappuccino with almond milk.
As we sip our Cappugenos, I take note of the animated expressions coming from Geno as we chat about her life in Kuwait as well as her career, interests and work ethic. I also take note of the little gestures and expressions she uses that show the comfort and fondness she feels towards her new home of the past four years, Kuwait. Whether it be a friendly wave to a colleague or frequenter of the modern Mediterranean eatery, or her quick and slick motion for the Maître’de to turn down the music during the call to prayer. Each motion is elegant and understated, but filled with intention, appreciation, and respect – three she feels are vital to experiencing and embracing a new culture when you’re living far from home, as she does.
Hailing from Sevilia, the southern Andalusian strip of Spain, Genoveva Rincón moved to Kuwait in 2018 to work with the Al Hajery group at Solia as a brand operations manager. It keeps her busy and, on the move, having to bounce around from location to location in order to make sure everything at each Solia establishment is running smoothly. “This was especially difficult during the pandemic, because of other details we had to focus on; closing temporarily, delivery logistics, shortage of staff…. I had to serve once or twice. It always makes me nervous! I can’t hold a tray like they can!” she laughed. She’s also made herself at home at Solia, finding extreme solace and support from all the staff. “I especially can’t do anything without Venky (Venkatesh) and Faisal” she says, calling out her gratitude for two members of the Solia family. “I would be lost without them”.
Living in Kuwait has become a welcomed surprise to her, but what Geno also did not expect was for her career to take her to the restaurant industry. Her past experience in this field is limited, Geno does have a history of sharing love through food. “In Spain, many of us end up working in restaurants, at hotels or as baristas [to make money] during university. I did when I was studying law. So, this is the extent of my food experience, but food has always been my love language. My parents were always working growing up so I would surprise them with a home cooked meal. This is a way of showing love, you know? Providing, feeding, and getting together to share food. That’s also what I love about the restaurant industry.”
But instead of pursuing a career as a professional chef from the days she would cook for her family, Geno’s eclectic interests and certifications include (but are not limited to) studying law in university, life coaching, and her ultimate love, her intricate history in the arts; specifically, cinema and dance such as ballet and flamenco. “I have always been drawn to the arts,” she tells me, talking about how she went through different journeys throughout her life, always coming back to music and dance. “I’m even part of a band over here that plays flamenco music” she says brightly. “I did not expect to find such musical and artistic passion and talent in Kuwait!”
Another thing she didn’t expect to find in Kuwait was Padel – the Spanish sport that’s taken our country by storm. “I especially can’t believe that Padel is so popular here,” she said when I asked her if she was an experienced Padel player since she comes from the sport’s native country. She laughed and admitted she used to play quite a bit in her youth “But it’s always just for fun! It always makes anyone happy to see something from their homeland when they’re living away. I like that Padel is popular here.”
Despite her work in the food industry, Geno is extremely disciplined when it comes to her food intake and prefers to keep her diet light and free of heavy calories and carbohydrates. But she really likes the food at Solia and says that it’s hard to choose which dish is her favorite. “Solia has an ever-evolving menu and always changes, and I’m always trying everything out. It’s all so delicious. I really love our food.” When pressed, she listed some of her stars “The omelette is excellent… avocado sliders with eggs… the mushroom risotto is so delicious but risotto has too many calories….”
Okay, Geno. Enough with the calories. What’s your favorite food in the world? “Oh… in Spain, we eat fried potatoes with eggs and chorizo” she says with a dreamy look on her face. “if it wasn’t so unhealthy, I would eat that all day for the rest of my life.” Perhaps a new Solia menu addition is looming?
But Padel included, Geno finds lots of similarities between Arab and Spanish personalities, which makes her feel comfortable as a guest in Kuwait. “It’s always hard to come to a new place and be away from your family and friends, but Kuwait has not been as difficult as I thought it would be. People are so warm and inviting here, and remind me a lot of the Spanish.” Working in the restaurant industry has also been a great way for her to bond with the people of the country she now calls home. “I’ve learned so much about Kuwait and the culture by working at Solia,” she says warmly. “It’s so interesting how similar to the Spanish you are. After all, you conquered us!” She reminds me. Not that she seems to mind this tidbit of Arab/Hispanic history. “In fact, I always joke with people here that I’m ready for the Arabs to conquer the Spaniards again! Why else do you think I’m here?” She laughs infectiously, and once again offers me something to eat. “Are you sure you don’t want anything?” she demands, charmingly trilling her ‘r’ and really reminding me of Modern Family’s Sophia Vergara. I’m good, Geno, but I’ll have another Cappageno with you any day.
Follow Geno for her latest on Instagram @gno_rg and TikTok @genorincgor.
