Our Portuguese Table

In today’s episode of Our Portuguese Table, we chat Doug da Rocha Holmes, one of the Portuguese community’s premiere genealogists. One of today’s big trends is genealogy testing and learning more about our roots. Doug first began studying genealogy in the 80’s when he wanted to learn about his mom’s family tree. He began to research more about his dad’s side and the rest is history. ;) Doug has done a lot of research in the Azores, especially on the islands of Terceira and Pico. His program has a list of about 300,000 names thus far. He’s your go-to guy! Doug has connected with others through social media to and is currently conducting additional testing, as well. We also discuss Angela and Maria’s possible connections to William the Conquer and other nobility.

For more information about Doug’s services or to begin your ancestral journey, visit his website: http://www.dholmes.com/ or send him a message at: [email protected]

Note: This episode was recorded before December 2018, so some of the info may sound out of date. But it's still a great "catch up" episode! Enjoy!

In today’s episode, we spend some time catching up. It’s been a while since we’ve told you what’s going on. Angela tells us about how things are going with baby Alexandre and re-adjusting to working full-time. Maria also talks about the launch of her cooking show, Maria’s Portuguese Table, that began airing on PBS Rhode Island on Friday, January 4th. Visit Maria’s website to learn more. We are already planning Season 2!! Follow the progress of Maria's Portuguese Table show on Facebook!

Maria also tells us about an exciting summer – the first time she brought her kids to São Miguel as adults – now, when’s the next trip?! Maria and her family took a walking tour with minuvida (www.minuvida.com) and loved it. Lastly, we discuss our dreams of retiring to Portugal and spending time cooking and traveling – who wouldn’t want that?

Who should we interview next? Send your suggestions to [email protected].

Até a próxima!

In today’s episode of ‘Our Portuguese Table’, we chat with Nancy Fernandes of Saudade Toronto in Toronto, Canada. Nancy, who has admired design from a young age (thanks in part to traveling around Portugal), suggested an idea to a couple friends about opening a local shop that celebrates design and selling artisanal goods made in Portugal. (Nancy’s roots are in the Minho and Baixo Alentejo.)

They found a space in Little Portugal and it’s been a hit since the shop opened in 2015! The shop features items for all budgets and styles from well-known brands like Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro to B.Joy to one-of-a-kind pieces from local artisans. She visits Portugal 2-3 times a year to connect with artisans.

One of Nancy’s goals was to stock pieces from all over Portugal, Açores, and Madeira – showcasing different Portuguese design and products, and especially those with a modern spin. The shop’s inventory is constantly changing – contact Saudade if you’re looking for a particular item.

To shop, visit: www.saudadetoronto.com or check them out on Facebook: facebook.com/Saudadetoronto or Instagram: instagram.com/saudadetoronto

Address:

1191 Dundas Street West

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

M6J 1X3

In today’s episode of Our Portuguese Table, Angela and Maria chat with Mariah Vitoria, who is a cryptocurrency enthusiast.

Mariah was a student when she began dabbling in online sweepstakes. She sold many of the cars and prizes she won.  In 2013, she purchased a donut fryer online before making the jump to food trucks. During the off-season, Mariah began learning about cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, and hasn’t looked back. She eventually sold her food truck, and began investing almost exclusively in Bitcoin. She suggests looking on YouTube to learn more about Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrency.

Mariah is currently based in Puerto Rico, where she trades cryptocurrency as well as advises and educates others about it. She also volunteers at orphanages during her free time.

Mariah has traveled around the world, educating others about cryptocurrency. She enjoys visiting Hawaii and stopping at Leonard’s for malassadas. Mariah also tells us about the time she booked a trip to Terceira and left later that day. We also chat about some of her favorite foods, like linguiça soup; and her first food memory (hint: it’s not Portuguese).

Connect with Mariah on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCGSwCioVpcYIdqGgmf9DerQ or Instagram: instagram.com/mariahvitoria

In today’s episode of ‘Our Portuguese Table’, we chat with Luis Lourenço, formerly of Bacalhau Grill & Trade Rite Market https://www.facebook.com/thebacalhaugrill/ in San Jose, California. Luis worked for the original owners of Bacalhau Grill as a teenager before working at Safeway and then eventually taking over the market. Luis began serving bacalhau tacos (inspired by Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá) which became well-known across the Bay Area, in California.

He had the opportunity to spend more time in Terceira and jumped at it. He currently operates Louie’s Place in São Bartolomeu, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira: https://www.facebook.com/Louies-Place-Restaurant-Cafe-1348923001863533/. Stop by when you’re in the neighborhood and tell him Angela & Maria sent you!

If you have ideas for podcasts or questions, send them to [email protected].

Ate a próxima!

In today’s episode, of Our Portuguese Table, we chat with Michael Casalinho of Broa Café in Jersey City, NJ. The episode was recorded just before one of the last winter storms of the year. With roots in the district of Leiria, Michael dabbled in many careers before devoting himself to the culinary world. Michael grew up in the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark and has had the opportunity to dine around the world.

At Broa, he is working within his so-called “grandma boundaries” to provide guests with the most authentic and traditional dining experience. He wants to transport you to being in a tasca in Portugal, where the day’s menu is dictated by what’s fresh and in season. Michael even designed and decorated the restaurant to include personal family photos and heirlooms. He also discusses the emphasis he places on educating his guests about the origins behind their dishes. For example, did you know that the Portuguese brought curry to India during the Age of Exploration? He also spoke about the importance of being open and learning from others around you—we all bring different experiences to the table and should use them as a learning opportunity.

As Michael said during the interview, “Follow your heart and your dreams. Be proud of where you came from and reach for the stars.”

For more information, visit Broa’s website: www.broacafe.com

Facebook: facebook.com/broacafe

Instagram: www.instagram.com/broacafe

In today’s episode, we chat with fadista David Silveira Garcia of San José, California! David is our first fadista on the show!

He shares the history of his recent career and influences. David has had the opportunity to sing for greats like Celeste Rodrigues (Amália’s sister) in Lisbon. He released his second album, Palco da Vida, earlier this year. Performances this year include stops in Lisbon and the Açores—including Terceira, Faial, and São Miguel—and an upcoming trip to Hawaii. Visit his website for the latest updates and more information: www.davidsilveiragarcia.com. Listen to David’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora. ​

David shares his favorite food memories, including snacking on crackers and São Jorge cheese and dinner party ideas. He also underscores the important of finding new and creative ways to get youth involved in the community—Portuguese-American or not.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dgpico

Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidsilveiragarcia

In today’s episode of Our Portuguese Table, Angela and Maria answer your questions! We chat about pantry staples—Portuguese olive oil (azeite), vinegar (wine or cider), dried and/or canned beans, and sea salt (or Kosher) & spices—are a must; and how to make the perfect arroz doce.

We also discuss menu ideas for a Portuguese meal for those who may not be familiar with Portuguese cuisine. Another live podcast and book-signing may be in the works, but stay tuned! Lastly, Maria taps into her roots and shares a little family history from where her mom’s side of the family migrated to the Azores from.

Keep sending us your questions – another Q&A episode is in the works: [email protected]

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/

In today’s episode, we chat with Lucy Pepper. No, her name isn’t Portuguese, but guess what, she lives in Portugal and possibly loves Portugal more than some Portuguese people we know! Lucy first visited the Douro Valley as an art student. She tells us of the time she found the note she’d written to herself about moving to Portugal and a few years later it happened!

She is an illustrator and artist by trade but has co-written a few books including How Not to Starve in Portugal and Eat Portugal: The Essential Guide to Portuguese Food as well as being a fellow podcaster. She is host of Pie, a podcast about (Portuguese) food (www.piepodcast.com/) and co-host of Stories of Saudade / Histórias de Portugal de Saudade e Outras Coisas, an English-Portuguese podcast with partner Marco António (www.storiesofsaudade.com/). Angela recently shared her own story of saudade with Lucy and Marco: www.storiesofsaudade.com/14-from-america-with-love.

Angela, Maria & Lucy talk about their favorite Portuguese foods and about the Portuguese old ladies who don’t wanna share their secrets, among other things...

If you’re looking to explore the food of Lisboa, her Eat Portugal co-author Célia Pedroso hosts a food tour in Lisbon with Culinary Backstreets: culinarybackstreets.com/category/cities-category/lisbon

To learn more about Lucy and her work, connect with her at the links below.

Website: www.lucypepper.com

Twitter: twitter.com/lucypepper

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lucypepper

Stay tuned for more podcasts with Lucy – maybe even a Stories of Saudade / Our Portuguese Table fusion episode live from Lisboa! ;)