Lucia Ruiz Lafita

Biography

I am Lucía Ruiz Lafita, founder of Delirium Catering—a catering company for demanding clients, whether individuals or companies looking for a memorable experience. Delirium is my passion brought to life, a project born from my love for cooking, gastronomy, and sharing with those close to me…

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 and Management (ADE) at ICADE and Le Cordon Bleu, where I developed my passion for cooking and customer service.

Delirium emerged in October 2020 at a time of uncertainty due to the pandemic. After finishing my studies at Le Cordon Bleu and working in different establishments, the lockdown arrived and, with it, a pause in my career. It was then that I saw the opportunity to turn my passion into a new project. The beginnings were modest, setting up my kitchen in my parents' house and facing high demand on my own. Today, 3 years later, I have just moved for the third time to 11 Treviño Street with the goal of professionalizing and continuing to grow.

Have you always been passionate about cooking?

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

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

Delirium is my dream come true; I am very grateful to have made that decision.

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

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

I enjoy fusing traditional products from Spanish cuisine with elements from other gastronomies, such as Asian or Latin American, giving them a distinctive touch. The possibility of experimenting and discovering new combinations of flavors is what really drives my creative process.

At Delirium, we have several dishes that our clients love. Although, if you ask me what my favorite recipe is, I will undoubtedly tell you that it has nothing to do with fusion cuisine, but with super traditional recipes like stews or pastry. I love Beef Wellington, a dish we incorporated recently, and, of course, our hazelnut praline tart, which is usually the treat that is remembered most.

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 search for excellence, while organization ensures an efficient workflow amidst the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. In addition, I would add a good attitude, as it is a profession where every dish is a different experience, always running the risk of ruining a creation when experimenting and innovating. Resilience is very important.

“Commitment drives the constant search for 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 catering benchmark in Madrid. My goal is to strengthen Delirium, offering a variety of homemade and fresh products, including vacuum-cooked dishes to take away. In addition, I would love to write a book on organization and recipe collections 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 needy communities around the world.

Relationship with beauty:

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

For me, true beauty resides in naturalness and holistic well-being. I firmly believe that when my skin is healthy, it clearly reflects that my body and mind are also in good health. 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 routine today is to take care of my skin every morning and night, and some extra treatments each month.

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

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

Who are your beauty icons?

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

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I have received is that there is nothing unattainable, that you should not be afraid if we focus our minds and work to achieve it. Everything ends up working out one way or another in the end; you only have to be afraid of fear itself. This constant reminder drives me to overcome challenges and face any obstacle without fear. You have to jump in, we cannot wait until we are too organized, ready… The best result of this advice has been the creation of Delirium.

Beauty Questionnaire:

What is your skincare routine?

Each morning, my routine starts with washing my face with a facial cleanser, removing any impurities from the night before. Then, I apply a toner and, finally, a cream to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day. In summer, sunscreen is a must, although they say you have to wear it all year round. And, at night, after cleaning my face again, I apply a repairing serum. It is a simple but effective routine.

An infallible trick or product

My best trick is an illuminating serum to achieve radiant skin. It gives a fresher, more luminous, and younger-looking skin appearance.

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

I focus my attention on mental health, trying to maintain a balance, especially at work, although as an entrepreneur it is sometimes difficult. I try to create a harmonious, organized work environment free of unnecessary tension. I like to surround myself with people who add value, not those who subtract. In my free time, I prioritize relationships with friends and family. In addition to doing different activities such as yoga, painting, going to 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, in the world of beauty there is always something new to discover. Currently, I would like to learn more about supplements and vitamins that can contribute not only to appearance, but to the well-being of my skin. I have plans to explore treatments to revitalize and rejuvenate my skin for the future.

What are your favorite treatments? (From Beldon Beauty)

My favorite treatments from Beldon are quite simple but effective. I always stay loyal to the easy Beldon routine, using products like Medik8 or Esthederm. But what really makes the difference for me are the treatments at the Beldon centers. In particular, I love to treat myself to the “Sleep and Glow” or “BLESS Your Glow” ritual at the Beldon Wellness spa at BLESS Hotel Madrid. Nothing complicated, just direct and noticeable results.