Reality on a Plate with Ioana & Alexandra Florea
Updated: Sep 2
reality on a plate is a new publishing feature series that, in response to member requests, allows individuals to dive deeper into the experiences of others before attending our events, fostering a sense of familiarity and connection.
the sisters behind OHANA VET
We talk about coming home, family and roots, building a business together — and the life that unfolds around it: the animals they care for, the people they meet, mornings and meals and the friends they hope will still be around their dinner table in 2050.
tell us about your background — where you grew up, what food looked like in your home, and the memories that shaped who you are today
We grew up in Bucharest, in a house full of cars, motorcycles, pets and people. We were always bringing home strays, and Alexandra knew she wanted to be a vet from the age of three.
Food was a big part of home. During the week, the ladies of the house — our mother and grandmother — cooked for us. Weekends meant Snagov, long barbecues, friends dropping by and everyone eventually gathering around the table. We still go back most weekends. Looking at it now, the animals, the family, the food and all that chaos probably explain a lot about what we built together.
what were the two of you like as sisters growing up
We were two very blonde, very curious kids. Alexandra used to hold me in her arms and give me massages while we watched Tom & Jerry.
I was the little sister and, for a while, she adored me.
Then we grew up.
She was the dreamy one, I was more of a volcano, and there were plenty of catfights.
Our father had one rule: you kiss, you hug, you make up.
what's the first meal you can still remember
Măicuța’s negresă — our neighbour who looked after us after kindergarten — is probably the first thing we both remember.
on moving back to Romania
what brought you home, and when did it start to feel like home again
We wanted to build something here, but mostly, we wanted to be closer to our parents. We always believed you could build a beautiful life in Romania. There was also this slightly delusional thought: what if things actually go well?
It started feeling like home again once we found our own rhythm — our routines, our places, our people.
what does your morning routine look like
We both love early, slow mornings — a little time to ourselves before we start taking care of everyone else. I do Pilates, Alexandra works out, and breakfast is non-negotiable for both of us: eggs and avo on sourdough or an açaí bowl.
a farmers’ market in Romania you love for the people, the produce and everything around it
Snagov. It’s not really a farmers’ market. Locals put whatever is in season up for sale right outside their gates. We stop, see what they have that day, and usually leave with more than we planned.
cook with guests around or have it all ready
Guests around, always. We love a busy kitchen! Everyone is cooking, opening bottles, getting in each other’s way. A little chaos before everyone finally finds their place at the table.
how did OHANA VET begin and when did you realise this was something you could actually build together
The dream was always there. At one point, we wanted to turn our dad’s garage in Snagov into our first vet clinic. Instead, our parents pushed us to go out and get some real experience.
Years later, we came back to Romania and built it together. Ohana means family, and Alexandra had been calling me my ohana for years, so the name felt obvious.
Now, every time an animal is genuinely excited to walk through the door, or someone trusts us with a pet they love, we get that little reminder: this is why we did it.
what have animals taught you about people
That everyone has a soft side. We’ve watched I don’t like cats turn into complete obsession. Animals have a way of finding that part of you before you do.
you'll be joining us at Senat Galerie for WHAT IF. Cinema no. 13, now showing Heart of the Beast. at its heart is the relationship between a man and his dog. do you think we save our pets, or do they save us
Both. We give them food, shelter, medicine, a safe place to call home.
They give us purpose, routine, unconditional love and someone to come home to.
what do you think animals understand about us that humans sometimes don't
They don’t care about status, money or job titles. They only know how you make them feel. And most importantly, they live in the present not waiting for tomorrow or someday.
last Google search
Ioana: Bali or Hawaii for a pet brand
Alexandra: Porsche 911 Singer DLS cost
describe your lock screen
Ioana: UNIVERSE, show me how good it gets
Alexandra: YOU CAN
what are you a beginner at these days
Ioana: Wakesurfing.
I’ve been wakeboarding for years, so I thought I’d find my flow quickly. Turns out the waves have other plans. But when you finally get it right, you feel like a goddess.
Alexandra: Sailing.
I went from skippering a motorboat on Lake Snagov to learning how to actually sail — and now I’m training for a regatta. Turns out being a beginner is fun, humbling and much harder than it looks.
what's a book you wish you could read again for the first time
The idea that even when almost everything is taken away, you still have the freedom to choose how you respond really stayed with me.
Alexandra: Pânza de păianjen by Cella Serghi.
Hopeless romantic girl, always.
what if your pet could text you
what would the first message say
“Hi mom, when are you coming home? And please bring treats.”
what if your pet could leave you a Google review
“10/10 treats. Too many wellness checks. ”
what if dinner parties still exist in 2050? who's at your table
Hopefully, the same people who are at our table today
Erika and Claudiu Ionescu, Roxana Vrabie, Sorina and Mikael Fredholm, Adriana Matei and all their furry friends.
what if you could teleport somewhere for dinner tonight — where are we going
It’s the end of summer, so Medusa! A little open-air seafood restaurant on Milos, Greece. Sundried octopus with fries. Why complicate things?
We were there just a few weeks ago, influenced by Hailey and Justin Bieber. Thank you, Instagram!
what if you could keep one thing exactly as it is today forever
God bless! Our family is healthy, we love what we do, and there’s peace where we live. We’re grateful!
are you easy to reach: WhatsApp, Instagram or phone call
We’re millennials at heart!
If you’re thinking about calling us, just don’t. Text us.
Instagram or WhatsApp for everyday life.
Unless it’s about your pet. Then please call the clinic — it’s still the fastest way to reach us.
Every visit to the vet can be a positive experience.
Editor Alinz
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