Lucia Ruiz Lafita

Biography

I'm Lucía Ruiz Lafita, founder of Delirium Catering—a catering company for discerning clients, whether individuals or businesses seeking a memorable experience. Delirium is my passion come to life, a project born from my love of cooking, gastronomy, and sharing with loved ones…

My interest in cooking was sparked at age 16 during a summer in Germany, where I practiced as an amateur cook. I chose to study Business Administration at ICADE and Le Cordon Bleu, where I developed my passion for cooking and customer service.

Delirium emerged in October 2020 during a time of uncertainty due to the pandemic. After completing my studies at Le Cordon Bleu and working in various establishments, the lockdown arrived, bringing my career to a halt. It was then that I saw the opportunity to turn my passion into a new project. The beginnings were modest, setting up my workshop at my parents' house and facing high demand alone. Today, three years later, I've just moved for the third time to 11 Treviño Street, with the goal of professionalizing the business and continuing to grow.

Have you always been passionate about cooking?

Since childhood, cooking has been an important part of my life, thanks to family gatherings in the countryside where we shared happy moments. It was there that I understood that cooking is an experience to share and enjoy with others.

My strongest connection to cooking began in 2011, when I was 16, during a summer in Germany. Although I initially went to learn the language, I ended up being the impromptu cook for a German family. This experience changed my life and revealed my true passion for cooking, which until then had simply been a hobby.

Delirium is my dream come true, I am so grateful I made that decision.

“Cooking is an experience to share and enjoy with others.”

What inspires you when creating recipes? Which is your favorite and why?

I enjoy fusing traditional Spanish cuisine with elements from other gastronomy, such as Asian or Latin American, giving them a distinctive touch. The opportunity to experiment and discover new flavor combinations is what truly drives my creative process.

At Delirium, we have several dishes that our customers love. However, if you ask me what my favorite recipe is, I'd definitely say it has nothing to do with fusion cuisine, but rather with super traditional recipes like stews or pastries. I love the Beef Wellington, a dish we recently added to the menu, and of course, our hazelnut praline tart, which is usually the most memorable treat.

What characteristics do you think a good chef should have?

In the culinary world, commitment and organization are essential for a chef. Commitment drives the constant pursuit of excellence, while organization ensures an efficient workflow amidst the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. Furthermore, I would add a positive attitude, as it's a profession where every dish is a unique experience, always carrying the risk of ruining a creation while experimenting and innovating. Resilience is also crucial.

“Commitment drives the constant pursuit of excellence, while organization ensures an efficient workflow.”

What are your future plans for your project?

In the future, I envision myself committed to catering, perhaps expanding internationally and becoming a leading caterer in Madrid. My goal is to strengthen Delirium, offering a variety of homemade and fresh products, including sous-vide dishes for takeout. I would also love to write an organization book and recipe collection to share my experience.

As part of our future plans, we are exploring the possibility of contributing to humanitarian causes, such as fighting famine and helping communities in need around the world.

Relationship with beauty:

What is beauty to you and how do you experience it in your daily routine?

For me, true beauty lies in naturalness and overall well-being. I firmly believe that when my skin is healthy, it clearly reflects the health of my body and mind. Beyond the satisfaction of looking in the mirror and seeing myself looking good, my main focus has always been, and will continue to be, feeling good. My current routine consists of taking care of my skin every morning and night, along with some extra treatments each month.

What or who inspires you in your day-to-day life?

In my daily life, my parents are my greatest source of inspiration. They've taught me to always fight for my dreams and that hard work is the only way to achieve my goals. Their support and presence are a daily reminder that dedication and effort are key to success. I also count my boyfriend as a great inspiration; he's an entrepreneur and a great role model. We met when I was just starting out, and thanks to him, I've seen a perfect example of commitment, perseverance, dedication, and fighting spirit to achieve his dreams.

Who are your beauty icons?

Audrey Hepburn is undoubtedly an icon for her timeless elegance and unique style. Beyond her physical beauty, her natural grace is undeniable.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I've ever received is that nothing is unattainable, that there's no need to be afraid if we focus our minds and work towards achieving it. Everything always works out in the end, one way or another; the only thing to fear is fear itself. This constant reminder drives me to overcome challenges and face any obstacle without fear. We have to take the plunge; we can't wait until we're perfectly organized and ready. The best result of this advice has been the creation of Delirium.

Beauty Questionnaire:

What is your skincare routine?

Every morning, my routine begins by washing my face with a facial cleanser, removing any impurities from the night before. Then, I apply a toner and, finally, a moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day. In summer, I always use sunscreen, although they say you should wear it year-round. And at night, after cleansing my face again, I apply a repairing serum. It's a simple but effective routine.

A foolproof trick or product

My best trick is using a brightening serum to achieve radiant skin. It gives skin a fresher, more luminous, and youthful appearance.

How do you take care of your beauty from the inside out?

I focus my attention on mental health, striving to maintain a balance, especially at work, although as an entrepreneur it's sometimes difficult. I try to create a harmonious, organized work environment, free of unnecessary stress. I like to surround myself with people who add value, not detract from it. In my free time, I prioritize relationships with friends and family. I also enjoy different activities like yoga, painting, and visiting museums. And when I need to disconnect, I escape to the countryside.

Is there anything left for you to learn or try in the beauty world?

Without a doubt, there's always something new to discover in the world of beauty. Currently, I'd like to learn more about supplements and vitamins that can contribute not only to the appearance but also to the overall health of my skin. I plan to explore treatments to revitalize and rejuvenate my skin in the future.

What are your favorite beauty treatments? (From Beldon Beauty)

My favorite Beldon skincare products are quite simple yet effective. I always stick to Beldon's easy routine, using products like Medik8 or Esthederm. But what really makes the difference for me are the treatments at Beldon centers. In particular, I love indulging in the "Sleep and Glow" or "BLESS Your Glow" ritual at the Beldon Wellness spa in the BLESS Hotel Madrid. Nothing complicated, just direct and noticeable results.