In the December 2008/January 2009 issue of OTTAWA MAGAZINE, Marisol Simoes was touted as a work hard/play hard entrepreneur. Now, she’s hiding from the camera and looking to shed her “defamatory libel” label. Here, a look back at Marisol in better times.

Known for her tenacity and hands-on approach and rewarded for her success with a citing in Ottawa Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 this year, Marisol Simoes spends her days fussing with track lists, smoothing over staffing disasters, picking up ingredients, and generally staying on top of it all. Simoes, who, along with her husband, Zadek Ramowski, owns and operates three bustling clubs in the ByWard Market, has absolutely no plans to slow down in 2009. The new year will see Simoes catering parties with Kinki’s sushi platters and, in her spare time, launching a cooking show from the Mambo kitchen. In short, she’s bringing the party to you.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
To up the ante. “For years, we’ve been pushing the envelope, being a force for change in the Market. Next year we’re knocking on doors, bringing the taste and feel of Mambo and Kinki to anyone and everyone!”

I’ll BE RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR
Scurrying from club to club, champagne in hand.

IN SIX MONTHS I’LL BE
On vacation — yeah, right! “I’ve been dreaming of the beach for three years.” (It’s all part of the 10-year plan, Simoes swears.)

MY SECRET WEAPON
Guru. “I’ll drink a Red Bull if I have to, but Guru is all natural. It makes you feel great, and it makes you productive.”

YOU CAN CATCH ME
At your home or office, with trays of fusion fare from Kinki and Mambo.