A Culinary Journey: The Story of Alexandra Papadopoulos and David Martin Suarez
A Passion for New Experiences
Alexandra Papadopoulos thrives on new experiences. “I need constant stimuli,” she shares, emphasizing her love for travel and culinary adventures. For over a decade, she embraced life abroad, immersing herself in diverse cultures, making friends, and exploring various career paths. Her journey took a pivotal turn in 2017 when she met David Martin Suarez, a fellow employee at Telefónica, during a work trip to Madrid. Their shared love for music and dance blossomed into a romantic connection, culminating in a kiss that marked the beginning of their love story.
The Language of Love
Ms. Papadopoulos’s commitment to Mr. Suarez was evident in her determination to learn Spanish, his first language. “I really wanted to learn Spanish — and I did, which made me very impressed with myself,” she laughs. This dedication not only deepened their bond but also enriched her understanding of the culture they both cherished.
From Enthusiasts to Entrepreneurs
In 2019, Ms. Papadopoulos moved to Madrid, where she and Mr. Suarez turned their shared passion for food into a business venture. “We just love going out to eat, researching restaurants,” she explains. Their enthusiasm led to the creation of Velada in 2021, a digital platform designed to provide personalized restaurant recommendations and streamline reservations. “That’s the gap that we saw,” Ms. Papadopoulos notes, highlighting their innovative approach to dining in Spain.
Harnessing Technology for Culinary Exploration
The couple’s venture quickly gained traction, expanding to over 20 cities across Spain. A significant milestone came with the introduction of an A.I.-powered “dining assistant,” which Ms. Papadopoulos describes as “the hero product.” This feature transformed their business model and sparked the idea of introducing Velada to the U.S. market, particularly in bustling cities like New York.
A New Chapter in New York
In 2025, after tying the knot, the couple relocated to New York, bringing Velada along for the ride. For Ms. Papadopoulos, it was a return to her roots, having grown up on Long Island and spent years in Manhattan. “It was amazing and they’re great but, yeah, moving back in with your parents when you’re nearly 40 — I didn’t want to do that for too long,” she chuckles, reflecting on the transition.
Adapting to a New Urban Landscape
For Mr. Suarez, this was his first experience living in New York. He remarked, “It can make Madrid feel like a super baby city.” The couple sought a three-bedroom apartment that would accommodate their work-from-home lifestyle while being close to the vibrant food scene they adored. After an extensive search, they settled in Long Island City, Queens, drawn by its restaurant options and convenient subway access.
Finding the Perfect Home
Their search for a suitable apartment was thorough, spanning ten buildings before they found a unit in the Italic, a new development on Jackson Avenue. The apartment’s stunning views of Manhattan and the availability of gas-powered grills were significant factors in their decision. “We had our own large balcony with a grill, and we used to have parties,” Ms. Papadopoulos reminisces about their life in Madrid.
Embracing the New York Food Scene
Since moving in last September, the couple has been settling into their new neighborhood. Mr. Suarez appreciates the similarities between Jackson Avenue and the center of Madrid, noting, “I always say that it’s outside Manhattan but feels like Manhattan.” Their New York version of Velada launched in January 2025, featuring the “Velada Genius” A.I.-powered search engine that tailors dining suggestions to specific user preferences.
Catering to Diverse Tastes
As they continue to operate in Spain, Ms. Papadopoulos has observed distinct differences in user preferences between the two countries. “In Spain, people more often follow specific critics or personalities,” she explains, while in New York, the focus leans more towards established publishers like Eater or the Michelin Guide. This insight is shaping their approach as they refine the platform for their New York audience.
Future Plans: The Spanish Club
Looking ahead, the couple is excited about their next project, the Spanish Club, which aims to curate experiences centered around Spanish food and culture in New York City. “We want to use all of the learning and experiences and contacts we had in Spain to bring more of that culture and community here,” Mr. Suarez adds.
A Culinary Lifestyle
For now, they are enjoying their new life, hosting family and friends, grilling on their deck, and utilizing the building’s demo kitchen. “It’s safe to say, we really like enjoying every meal,” Ms. Papadopoulos concludes, embodying the spirit of culinary exploration that defines their journey together.
