The family of a Perth restaurant boss say they have been left “shattered” after her unexpected death at the age of 53.
Paula Tabourel owned Cardo restaurant, formerly called Pig Halle, on the city’s South Street.
She previously ran several venues across Perth alongside husband Herve including Cafe Tabou, Breizh, Duo and Sante wine bar.
The mum-of-two died in her sleep from heart failure on Saturday night.
Daughter Roxanne told The Courier: “We have been shattered. Our world has completely flipped upside down.
“Mum was the most vibrant woman – she was unapologetically herself. She saw the world as it was.
“At the moment it is hard to see past each day, we take each day as it comes.
“It was so sudden, we didn’t have any chance to say goodbye.
“All of our family live abroad so the four of us were such a tight unit, it’s like a big hole has been left behind.
Why did you leave us? You are the glue that holds the Tabourels together
Daughter Roxanne
“The restaurant seems so dead without her. She was like the mother hen – mum was like family to the staff.”
Born in Angola, Paula moved Portugal at the age of seven, the country her parents are from.
She then moved to London at the age of 18 and began working as an au pair. She later moved to Scotland and started studying English at Dundee University.
Aged 23, instead of returning home to Portugal, she moved to Edinburgh and took up a job at Cafe St Honore.
That is where she met Herve, who hails from France, and they got married in 1992.
The couple established their first restaurant together, Jacques Bistro in Edinburgh, the following year and welcomed children Max in 1993 and Roxanne in 1995.
The family then moved to Blairgowrie in 2000, where they ran Ivy Bank guest house, before they finally settled in Perth.
Cardo has gained a reputation as one of Perth’s most popular restaurants with rave reviews from customers online.
In a poignant message addressed to her mum following her death, Roxanne wrote: “I’m not done needing you. I’ll never be done needing you.
Paula’s smile ‘lit up any room’
“No one knew me quite like you. You shared my pain and my joy as though we were one.
“I feel beyond privileged to have had you in my life and to have had you as my mum. You were one of a kind, a truly unique character.
“The strongest most fearless woman, unafraid of any adversity life throws at you.
“You were the life and soul to any party, the smile that lit up any room. Everything about you radiated grace.
“There are no words. Why? Why did you leave us? You are the glue that holds the Tabourels together.”
Herve describes his late wife as having a “rare” personality.
He said: “She’s left such a massive footprint in the restaurant.
“Everyone knows her and respects her. She left something in their hearts because of who she was, she was unique and always full of happiness, always so positive.
“It is impossible to describe her. Life will never be normal again.”
Roxanne added: “She’s left behind a legacy, that’s for sure, and we’re going to have to somehow try and carry on that legacy and make her proud.”
She also praised the staff at Cardo who have rallied round to ensure the restaurant has remained open despite Paula’s passing.
It will be closed on Sunday to give staff some time off and will also be closed on the day of her funeral.
Fellow business owners in Perth have also shared their tributes to Paula.
Fellow restaurant owner pays tribute
Pete Chan, owner of China China, described her as a “much-loved and well-regarded stalwart in the local food industry”.
He says Paula “always had time to talk and care, even when the going was getting tough”.
Paula’s funeral has been arranged with those who wish to attend, pay their respects and say a final farewell asked to contact the family for more details.
A wake and celebration of her life will be held in Cardo following the service.
