I am a Brazilian who grew up in a restaurant kitchen. My mother and maternal grandmother owned a restaurant and also sold street food. Cooking has always been the primary source of income for my family. My earliest memory of cooking is when I was six years old, and my mother taught me how to fry an egg. I was taught to respect the profession and approach cooking and serving with affection and care. Today, I bring this philosophy to my kitchen and strive for one made with respect, care, and dedication.
I’ve been in this industry for 20 years now, and I still remember my first job as a dishwasher. A moment in the kitchen that marked me forever was when I moved from one state to another to work with a chef I admired. I learned a lot from him, and it was worth pursuing a dream and gaining valuable experience. Even though I was away from my family and friends, it took a lot of courage, but I was rewarded with knowledge and good experiences.
In the future, I hope to see changes in the restaurant industry regarding low wages, inadequate work environments, and excessive working hours. Unfortunately, the industry is not given the respect and attention it deserves. There are still chefs and restaurant owners who believe that the kitchen is a place of humiliation and disrespect, and this needs to change.
What is your favorite street food?
Hot dog
Which restaurant or food stand do you recommend? (Different from yours) (Add its Instagram handle if possible)
