A Taste of Itu
If you've ever been taken aback by the generous size of the parmegiana offered on icook, there's a delightful story behind it. The mastermind, Chef Pedro Moreira, spent a significant part of his life in Itu - a Brazilian city renowned for its larger-than-life attractions. From oversized public telephones to gigantic benches and clocks, Itu's penchant for the grandiose doesn't stop at monuments. It's equally famed for its hearty parmegianas.
"People would travel all the way from São Paulo just to savor this dish in Itu. And believe me, every bite justified the journey," reminisces Pedro. He wanted to bring that same sense of nostalgia and heartwarming comfort to icook's menu. "I wanted to offer that standard of soulful food," he adds. Throughout our conversation, Pedro frequently circles back to the theme of affection in cooking.
"Cooking, for me today, is not just a means of livelihood; it's a labor of love," Pedro shares.
This sentiment is deeply rooted in his past.
The unexpected ingredient in his story? Affection. Pedro began his culinary journey at the tender age of nine, stepping into the kitchen to help support his family. It was during these early years that he discovered the transformative power of food, not just as sustenance but as an expression of love and care.