Fabiana Pinillos, or Fabi to those who know her, was born in Peru but has spent a majority of her life in Charleston. An Angel’s Envy Whiskey Guardian and bartender at Dalila’s, Fabi won Speedrack Season 11 Southeast and placed top 10 nationally for Patron Perfectionist 2023. But amongst all these accolades, you’re most likely to hear her boast about having the two most perfect doggies in the world.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My mom and dad moved me here from Peru when I was 5. I also have a 19 year old brother.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am extremely passionate about the art of bartending. I love the ability to express creativity and connect with people through flavor.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Ordinary, Chubby Fish, Verns
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have worked in the community for 8 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person that I have met in our industry is Pedro, who works for Diagio. He has the most interesting past, and I have learned a lot from him. As a mentor, he has taken the time to listen and care for me through so much of the real life stuff.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Spain! I would drink all of the txakoli and eat all of the jamón in the world.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movies are Blow and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. My favorite tv show is Queen of the South.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
There’s always a positive in everything. Smile, just smile so much that it’s contagious. Make the people around you happy.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To throw my dogs in the car and take a month to drive across the country.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Not a band, but Drake or Gucci.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dalila’s! It is a place for everyone. At all times there is someone in there that you will know!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Dale DeGroff, the king of cocktails. I would take him to The Ordinary.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The way that everyone knows each other– how familiar and comfortable it is.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Owning a Spirited Award winning bar.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I secretly love quiet and peaceful places.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June (my birthday month), Thanksgiving, February 29th
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The ricotta gnocchi at FIG
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mommy
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, comfortable, familiar
