Why You Should Marry Your Best Friend
Today we present to you a conversation between Gabriel and Gabriela about love, relationships, and running a restaurant as a married couple.
Gabriela: If you go to a party with Romanians, they will always find each other. In 2010, I was at a party with a bunch of friends here in Detroit. Gabi and I were strangers at the time, but a mutual friend set up an introduction. We were supposed to meet that night, but he showed up to the party with somebody else! I was disappointed, but now I understand that we were just at different points in our lives. We were actually meant to connect two years later.
One weekend in 2012, we were at a brewery, and at the time I was in a failing relationship. I just knew it was going to end, and it was causing me a lot of emotional distress. I remember seeing Gabi that night and thinking, “Look at this nice Romanian guy! Why can’t I be with someone like him?” Little did I know, that nice Romanian guy would become the love of my life.
Gabriel: Back then I was living in Port Sanilac, where I was the head chef at a farm-to-table restaurant. It was in an old Victorian home; a really beautiful place with lots of grassland. I’d stop at the farm, pick the vegetables, say hello to the fresh chickens, and then go to work.
But I would come to Detroit to see friends on the weekends, popping in and out, and one weekend we went to a brewery. Sitting right next to me was Gabriela, and we just hit it off.
Gabriela: When we were saying goodbye at that party, I remember I went to give him a big hug. Hugs convey so much, you know? That weekend, another person was having a birthday party, and I told the friend who introduced us, “If he’s still around. Bring him.” [laughs]
Our working relationship and romantic relationship really flourished at the same time. I wasn’t cooking in kitchens yet. But Gabi moved to Detroit and started working at Bacco. He was always so talented.
Gabriel: I was executive sous chef at Bacco. One day, the pastry chef didn’t show up. The owner, Luciano, asked me, “Do you know anybody who can cook?” I knew Gabriela could do it.
Gabriela: I was reluctant. I had never worked in kitchens before, and sometimes I can get inside my own head. But, Gabi put all of his trust in me. He knew I could cook. He offered me a challenge, and it really inspired me. By the end of my first shift, I was hired. Every single thing I made, Luciano was impressed. He said, “Listen, you’re it.” That gave me such confidence. Gabi gave me such confidence. We always bring out the best in each other. Always.
And that’s love. That’s the kind of trust you get out of being best friends and partners. He means so much to me. When he says something, it comes from such a safe place, and it’s mutual. We’ve reached such a high level of comfortability and trust with each other. It’s remarkable. Real love. When people ask, “How do you work together?” Well, we’re best friends. We respect each other to the utmost point.
Gabriel: It takes a very special combination. When we used to cook pop-ups together, in this same building, it was just me and her. Servers would go, “How do you do this together?” [laughs] It’s easy. When you’re making something for people to eat, there should be goodness in it. It has to have heart.
Gabriela: For me, I like it when you eat something, and you say, “Oh my god, what is this?” Like there’s a surprise inside. I try to do that with my desserts.
Gabriel: I love the way she cooks. I don’t like my dessert too sweet. She cooks her desserts rustic and not too sweet. That’s the way to my heart. She sometimes makes this amazing almond blueberry galette. Oh my god, you have to try it. It’s rustic and flaky, sweet and tart. So good. One of my favorites.
Gabriela: My favorite things Gabi makes are steak and risotto. Whenever he makes them, I get goosebumps.
He has such fluidity in the kitchen. The way he moves, the security. He’s graceful. Every single move has a purpose. Everything is calm. There’s a real fluidity about him that I admire. Just in general, he’s so consistent. Which makes me feel secure.
Gabriel: And she’s masterful in the kitchen. I admire how much she’s grown. The leadership she grew into. She’s got so much patience for people. Patience and compassion. It’s really made a difference in me.
The love, respect, and admiration we have for each other is truly special. I’m so glad that we get to have this life together. And this restaurant. Bar Gabi is built with love, and I hope you all feel that when you dine here.
See you soon.
With Love,
Gabi & Gabi
Location
23839 John R Road
Hazel Park, MI 48030
Hours
Monday — Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday — Thursday: 5 - 10 p.m.
Friday — Saturday: 5 - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 5 - 10 p.m.
Please note: Kitchen closes 30 minutes prior to posted hours.