Musical traditions, much like culinary ones, are often the result of the cultural fusion that comes about through conquest or migration. Fado is a perfect musical example; while evocative of Portugal it is spiced with hints of Brazil, Mozambique, Angola and Cape Verde.

The Afro-Brazilian musical tradition of Fado, or ‘fate’, dates back before the 19th century in Portugal where it’s signature rubato tempo and themes of the melancholic sea life of fisherman and the resignation of the poor were the soundtrack to the bohemian margins of society.

When played in the local taverns or “Fado Houses” of Lisbon and Coimbra, the experience of Fado is often intertwined with food —a few songs, a few dishes, a few more songs, more food and drink — and so the night goes…

Tonight, we seek to re-create this kind of experience, highlighting the sensuous flavours and sounds of the Portuguese diaspora through a collaboration with chef and popular food blogger Paula Costa, and local Fado trio Raízes e Ramos.

—–
Mussels in Red Pepper & Lemon Vinaigrette
The bright flavours in these mussels will awaken your palette and are a lovely way to start a Portuguese meal.

$60 +HST

—–
Paula Costa started her blog, Dragon’s Kitchen, as a way to share recipes with friends and family, but was pleasantly surprised when strangers began visiting the blog and leaving comments. It encouraged her to continue and expand how she used it. Social media has opened up an entire “foodie” world of new people and experiences for Paula. She finds that “each new meeting or outing expands my knowledge, increases my passion and (I hope) makes my blog better.”

Raízes e Ramos is a Fado musical group with Louis Simão, a composer, singer, bassist, accordionist and guitarist, and pianist, acting as one of the pillars of the Brazilian music scene here in Toronto, and Jessica Lloyd, singer, with her classical training and performance experience is versatile with a capital V.

—–
Every weekend The Depanneur invites a guest chef to host a fun, informal dinner party.

Learn more about Supper Clubs at The Depanneur