Firsts & Lasts with: Bettina Campolucci Bordi

It is said that the two most important moments in a restaurant are the moment you walk in the door – the hello – and the moment you leave, the last bite you take, the last person you speak to – the end/goodbye. But so much of our life is shaped by first and lasts. So here we profile amazing women talking about some of their first and last moments...

Culinary wellness guru and social media star Bettina Campolucci Bordi is world-renowned for her wholesome, colourful and internationally-inspired cooking. 

For Bettina, the benefits and possibilities of plant-based cooking knows no bounds. She has published two cookbooks, Happy Food and 7 Day Vegan Challenge, with her third book, Celebrate, due to be published in September 2021.

With a Norwegian father and Bulgarian/Danish mother, and time spent living in Tanzania, Sweden, Ireland, Spain and the UK, Bettina’s recipes are globally-inspired.  

Bettina’s goal is to make plant-based cooking more sustainable, accessible, and delicious for all. She uses local and seasonal produce where possible and loves supporting small farms across the UK.

Check out her website
@BettinasKitchen @BettinaBordi

First job

I grew up in Sweden during my teens and sold Christmas products out of a catalog knocking door-to-door - something everyone did during the holiday season. I would also buy tulip bulbs in bulk, split them into smaller bags and sell them door-to-door pre-Spring around the age of 12.

First lesson you learned the hard way

Not everyone is going to like you and that is ok.

First person that inspired you

My Norwegian grandmother, I adored everything that she did. She also had a lot of time for me. She really knew how to listen and be present - a trait that is seldom nowadays.

First thing you did in Lockdown 1

I nested and made sure we would be ok spending a long time at home and indoors. Practical things like creating a good everyday routine and separating weekdays from weekends to keep us going.

First album you bought

I think it was Michael Jackson. Growing up in East Africa for my first 11 years, my taste in music was very much what my dad listened to; Harry Belafonte, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis, lots of 50's rock n roll and what the whole world was listening to - which was Michael Jackson.

First book you really loved

All the Roald Dahl books. I didn't grow up with TV as I could only watch VHS (remember that?), so books were precious. We would stock up twice a year at the school fair where we could order them specially.

Last thing you bought

A fridge organiser - I am obsessed with organising; the fridge, cupboards - the lot. It's been happening a lot during lockdown. I have been told it's a way of feeling that you're in control. Makes sense as there is so much that has been out of our control in the last year.

Last three things you ate

Rocky road with my tea (that my lovely assistant made), banana bread with peanut butter and jam, do my supplements count? if not it would be my curry dinner from the night before.

Last song you listened to

Lady Gaga on repeat - my 8 year old’s favourite atm

Last podcast you listened to

Happy Place by Fearne Cotton

Last person you spoke to

Roberto - My Husband

Last time you had fun

Today - walked in the park with a good friend - I try to find silver linings in all things.