Cheftimony Episode 040 – Wine, Food, Portugal
“Mike talks about his food experiences in Portugal and in Canada, differences between the two, and just where to find great Portuguese food in Vancouver.”
Today I catch up with two good friends, one from the restaurant world and the other from the world of law. Together, the three of us explore the wine and food of Portugal.
Before the interviews, I spend a few minutes talking about the importance of listening to other voices. I share three voices from the food world – of the many, many, many great voices out there – that I think are absolutely worth your time. They belong to Nicole Schwegman, host of BFF with the Chef, to Chef Jenny Dorsey, and to Sarah Duignan of the AnthroDish Podcast.
The first interview today is with my friend Avelino Santos. I first met Avelino years and years ago at Bishop’s Restaurant in Vancouver. I was a stagiaire in the kitchen, learning from Chef Andrea Carlson and her team, and Avelino was a key member of the front-of-house operation. You’ll hear today that Avelino’s experience in the culinary world covers 25 years and many ports of call. He has cooked in Portugal, served all over the world on cruise ships, and recently started a fascinating business called Premium Portugal Wines. Avelino and his company have established direct relationships with farmers and wine producers in Portugal, and they’re bringing wonderful – and previously unavailable – Portuguese wines into British Columbia. Of course I had to press Avelino for recommendations, and you’re going to hear his picks for three great wines you’ll want to try.
After my talk with Avelino, I catch up with my former colleague and long-time friend, Michael Silva. Mike and I practised law together for years, and you’ll hear about Mike’s first day at the firm and how a group of us soon wound up in my favourite city to visit, Las Vegas. Having grown up in a Portuguese family, Mike talks about his food experiences in Portugal and in Canada, differences between the two, and just where to find great Portuguese food in Vancouver.
Join us!