News • 20 July 2003

On the spot... with Lisa Grech

Lisa Grech is Managing Director of the Definitive(ly) Good Guide Co., publisher of The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants in Malta and Gozo, the survey-based restaurant guide which has been described by former tourism minister Dr Michael Refalo as "A job brilliantly done" and more recently by a tourist as "the most useful piece of tourist information I have ever read in over 30 years of international travel".

After working several years in London, Lisa moved back to Malta to assist in the family business and at the same time set up the above company. To date Lisa has published three survey-based restaurant guides and is now working on the 2004 edition – redistributing the survey and updating ratings for next year’s publication.

Lisa explains that The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants in Malta and Gozo is now established as a household name and remains the only objective restaurant guide in Malta since it does not accept advertising from restaurants and inclusion in the guide is based solely on the survey results, with the top 150 rated restaurants included in the guide. The guide is a comprehensive reference to restaurants, guiding locals and tourists alike to the good eating establishments thereby assisting eaters out to make the right choice according to their requirements. With 19 index sections, the MTA calendar of events and sections on Maltese Food and Wine the guide is an indispensable publication for all lovers of good food".

If you ruled the world, what would you ban?

Greedy bureaucrats; corrupt magistrates; perpetual petards; cruelty to all species be it human, animal, beast or flower; ugly developments; inconsiderate neighbours and diesel fumes.

What’s your biggest phobia?

Living amongst all of the above.

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?

Visit the Prime Minister’s office, the MEPA office, the environmental office and as many offices I could fit in a day and set things straight.

Your best friend would describe you as?

Enterprising, fun loving, passionate about what I believe to be right…, independent and stubborn at times!

The person you text the most is?

Friends here and abroad.

Someone hands you Lm10,000. What would you spend it on?

A deposit on a new house.

If you wanted to impress a lover, what would you do?

Lie back and think of ………..

What do you want to be remembered for?

Being passionate in what I do and hopefully making a contribution.

What’s the worst insult one can throw at you?

Being dishonest.

How would you describe yourself?

Loyal, friendly, independent and open minded.

Which movie or song best describes your life?

Long Tall Sally since I am 6ft tall and a song called ‘Long Legged Lisa’ written by a mate in London.

Are you a coffee or a tea drinker?

Both.

What’s been the highlight of your life so far?

Setting up my own business - The Definitive(ly) Good Guide Co - and seeing something worthwhile coming to fruition.

How old do you feel?

My age completely.

What’s your best pick-up line?

Don’t do them!

What are you like when you’re drunk?

I love to dance and I have been described as ‘The Whirling Dervish’ on many an occasion!

Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

The two.

Live long or live fast?

A happy balance of the two.

Tell us a recent dream.

I was without any transport and I had to reach my destination fast, so I started running and next thing I knew I was physically flying there.

What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever eaten?

Rubbery fish eyes last week and live ants in the bush in Australia 12 years ago.

Are you good at keeping secrets?

Yes. I believe trust is the basis of all good relationships.

If you had a time machine where would you go?

To the time when Malta and Gozo was unspoilt and less populated.

If you could be a fictional/real character, who would you be?

Robinson Crusoe

Do you believe in the supernatural?

Yes.

You’re stuck in an elevator with strangers: what do you do?

Breathe deeply and attempt to hold a civilised conversation!

Are you a workaholic?

Yes.

What are you most afraid of?

Sickness to my closest and dearest.

Would you quit a job without having another one lined up?

No.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Practising yoga naked on what I thought was a private roof and looking up and seeing my neighbour looking down!