Cafe Lucia - Hidden Gem in California's Wine Country

This episodes was recorded a few months ago, and since then we've received word that Cafe Lucia has closed down. We are so sad to hear this! it was still a great conversation and so we hope you will still enjoy hearing about what Lucia and Jason were able to accomplish. And here's hoping that Cafe Lucia opos up somewhere else!

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We’re back on the West Coast today!

In today’s episode of Our Portuguese Table, we chat with Lucia Azevedo Fincher, owner nd Jason Santos, Director of Administration of Café Lucia in Healdsburg, California, in Wine Country. Maria had the chance to meet them and cook with Lucia and her brother, Chef Maneul Azevedo on her recent trip to California. Stay tuned for the California episode of Maria’s Portuguese Table, coming this spring!

Lucia opened the restaurant 5 years ago along with her brother Chef Manuel (who also owns LaSalette and Tasca Tasca in Sonoma, California). Jason started out as the Café Lucia’s Chef de Cuisine when he graduated from culinary school. Some of Café Lucia’s popular dishes include Bacalhau No Forno (inspired by Bacalhau à Brás) and Arroz de Camarão (rice with prawns) as well as regional dishes like Goan-style clams and Feijoada. For weekend brunch, try the Massa French Toast with Portuguese sweet bread or Eggs Benedict with Piri-Piri Hollandaise. Jason and Lucia have noticed more people who have traveled to Portugal coming in for the dishes they first tried on their travels. Café Lucia has hosted an annual Fado night, which has grown and sold out over the years. Check their Facebook or website for the next one.

We also chat about some of our first food memories – making flan with Boca Doce brand packets, making filhós, and cooking with morcela.

Next time you’re in Wine Country and searching for Portuguese food, visit Café Lucia (and tell them Angela & Maria sent you)!

Who should we interview next – send your suggestions to [email protected].

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cafeluciahealdsburg

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cafe_lucia/

Website: http://www.cafelucia.net/