I was born in Brazil and have always been familiar with the kitchen since I was a child. I fondly remember being beside my father at barbecues and Sunday lunches. During an international family trip, I developed a strong desire to see the world and decided that I wanted to become a cook. In 2014, at 16, I started my culinary journey in New Zealand while studying hospitality during my last year of high school. With good grades, I was given a work visa, which allowed me to start working by washing dishes and finishing desserts.

In 2015, my passion for cooking led me back to Brazil, where I enrolled in several cooking courses and worked in a gelateria. The following year, I began studying gastronomy in São Paulo and gained experience through internships in some renowned restaurants. In 2018, I traveled to Peru, where I worked in various restaurants and immersed myself in the food and culture of the region. Upon returning to Arraial d’Ajuda, I became the head chef of a new restaurant at age 21, a position I held for a year and a half. Leading and managing people was a significant challenge, and I admit that I am still learning. However, I am proud to say that I handled the role well.

During the 2020 pandemic, I worked as a personal chef and started a delivery fermentation bakery. I also built a smoker with my father and began experimenting with various vegetable recipes to create tasty and affordable dishes. This allowed me to develop my American barbecue skills. In 2022, I worked as a sous chef at a large restaurant on the coast of São Paulo. Unfortunately, I suffered an accident on my hand and had to return to Bahia for physiotherapy, where I set up a restaurant in a hotel during the summer season.

In 2023, I became the head chef at @nomadesbistro, my current job. I have been applying everything I’ve learned during my career and have managed to build a strong team. I seek to develop gastronomy in the southern region of Bahia, one step at a time, always searching for evolution.

What is your favorite street food?

Hamburger

Which restaurant or food stand do you recommend? (Different from yours) (Add its Instagram handle if possible)

Restaure Casa Rios. @casariosrestaurante

What is your guilty pleasure?

Smoking cigarettes

What ingredient do you find overrated?

Lobster

What ingredient do you think is underrated?

In Brazil definitely Cilantro.

What is your favorite kitchen tool?

Sharpened knife

What is your worst kitchen nightmare?

The cooks miss their work on the middle of summer season

Photos by @nicooferri