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.

—–
Caldo Verde
Literally translated as “Green Soup”, this potato, kale and chouriço (smoked pork sausage) soup is Portugal’s national dish. I use to devour bowls of this soup as a kid, so it’s no wonder that every time I make it, I feel like I’m home.

Arroz de Marisco
For me, this is Portugal in a pot. Similar to the Spanish paella, but uniquely Portuguese, this dish is an abundance of fresh seafood and rice in a rich tomato broth.

Feijão Verde com Alho e Ervas
Green beans with garlic & herbs is a classic Portuguese side dish.

Bolo de Laranja
This unusual orange and olive oil cake is moist, delicious and the vibrant flavour of the oranges comes shining through with a hint of the complexity of the olive oil. I serve it with an orange zest and honey syrup.
—–

$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