DINNER WITH CHEF YARA
We knew we wanted to visit Rio de Janeiro on our trip. When I started researching things for families to do in Rio, Paraty (a small, coastal town in the state of Rio) jumped to the top of the list. With a few more clicks, I found Chef Yara’s website.
I saw photos of her on her website and I knew I had to meet her. In those still images, she reminded me of my mom and one of my aunts, in particular. I saw the twinkle in her eyes, and the warmth in her smile. She felt so familiar, so familial, to me. I followed the requisite steps to book an evening with this award-winning chef, to cook Brazilian food, in her home, with my family.
We were greeted at their door as a family, but welcomed individually. She and her husband, Richard, embraced each of us, one by one, looking into our eyes, committing our names to memory, and inviting us to come in for an evening we’ll never forget.
While Richard taught Chris about the proper way to make a caipirinha, Yara brought her three newest sous chefs into the kitchen to make dinner.
For Yara, it’s just as important to know about the history of food as it is prepare and enjoy the food. And so, each dish we prepared represented a part of Brazil’s history.
The appetizer was inspired by the indigenous people of Brazil; it was an interpretation of feijoada, which is fried black beans and pork, served with collard greens and orange slices.
The entree was inspired by Africans, who were brought to Brazil as slaves. This dish was an elevated version of moqueca, which is fish that is simmered in a delicious sauce of tomatoes, red peppers and coconut milk, served with rice.
The dessert was inspired by the Portuguese, who came to Brazil in the hopes of trading their goods for gold. It was a goiabada (guava) cake served with Minas cheese, often referred to as “Romeo and Juliet.”
Yara was at ease in her kitchen, of course, but also at ease with the girls. She was patient and instructive, she was silly and serious, she was delightful and warm. I not only saw my mom, but I saw a little bit of all my aunts, and a little dose of Nonna, too. Maybe I was feeling particularly nostalgic, or maybe I just needed a taste of “home” — to be welcomed with a big hug and offered a warm meal, no matter the country.
The food was delicious, and the conversation over dinner was just what I needed. We talked about diversity, co-existing peacefully within society, elections, the beauty of family, places that must be seen in this world, and the need to remain curious, open-minded, and kind.
And as dinner was nearing its end around 10:30 PM, Reese couldn’t help but accept the invitation to lay on the couch. She fell sound asleep, which my mom said is what her brothers always did to compliment the chef.
We left Yara and Richard’s home with full bellies and full hearts…