Name
Maria Luis Estrela
Where do you live?
Bloomfield.
When did you move there?
I moved to Bloomfield in 2012. Prior to that, I was in Newark.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cascais, Portugal, a village on the West Coast.
How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion?
I am a Physical Therapist Assistant in a home health setting. I am also a mixed media/collage Artist and Vice President of Miguel Vicente Monteiro, a non-profit organization. We help children in need in the Cabo Verde Islands. I am very passionate about helping others to improve their quality of life, either through exercising and/or the arts.
Coffee, tea, or …?
Tea all day. Always looking for new tea flavors.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day?
I like to hike and explore different places, watch my son play soccer, have dinner with good friends, and do some art.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
I have a few favorites: Casa De Paco, Bloomfield Steakhouse, and Allegro.
What’s on your nightstand?
Books, a bottle of water, and a small humidifier.
What are you listening to?
Sara Tavares, Bob Marley and Nina Simone.
What are your current indulgences?
Right now, I am into the corn muffins from Palmers Bake House in Millburn.
What talent would you most like to have?
To be a muralist and create a huge mural inspired by strong women.
What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about your town?
Best kept: Casa de Flora Bar, a woman-owned, Black-owned business. It’s a cozy and very welcoming space, and it serves the best beverages in town.
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral?
She was a kind and inspiring person.
