They met at sea — and not under particularly romantic circumstances.

Both were working on an expedition cruise ship. Ave was the Head Chef, while Erik acted as a liaison officer for expedition passengers, responsible for bringing their dietary wishes to the galley. Those wishes were often demanding, coming from guests who had paid a hefty sum for the experience. Erik’s frequent appearances at the galley doorway were therefore not always appreciated at first.

Their early connection was shaped by pressure and responsibility, with both caught between a rock and a hard place. Work came first.

Over time, passenger demands pushed the chef to create new recipes. And the person responsible for the passengers became the first to taste them. Culinary experiments slowly turned into a deeper connection, moving beyond work and coincidence.

After settling in Tenerife to enjoy retirement, they began exploring Canarian food and traditional recipes together. What started as cooking for themselves turned into tasting evenings with friends. As interest grew, someone suggested turning these gatherings into a cooking class — and Casa Carmen was born.

For them, Casa Carmen represents a perfect retirement plan: a place to live, to cook, to meet interesting people, and to share culture without pressure. One of their proudest moments has been welcoming local Canarian guests who praised the flavours as truly authentic.

Their hope is that guests who visit Casa Carmen experience a genuine journey through Canarian tastes and connect with the very core of the local culture — in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Ave & Erik — retired sailors, now guiding guests through Canarian cuisine.