The free culinary event was hosted by Chef Dandara Batista at Clube Aristocrata, a space that promotes Afro-descendant culture in SP
From the union of different condiments, aromas and flavours comes the Chef Dandara Batista presented a free African cooking seminar last week at Clube Aristocrata, in São Paulo. Courses like this, the specialist says, are important to save black culture, as well as reclaiming the role of African ingredients as the basis of cuisine Brazilian cuisine.
“I see many people who come to my restaurant curious about what they will find and many are surprised by how close it is to Brazilian cuisine. The ingredients are basically the same, with different preparation methods,” explained the chef, owner of the restaurant. Afro Culinária Ancestral, located in Rio de Janeiro.
After the workshop, the restaurant remained open for lunch with traditional African dishes, such as Jollof Rice with Shrimp and Plantains, Chicken Mafê with Moroccan Couscous, and Ndolé with Meat and Banana. The success of the workshop opens the possibility of similar events in São Paulo. “It was a really special event, the audience was very interested in learning about African cuisine, very receptive, and interacted a lot by asking questions and observing the preparations.”
The name Aristocrat was the founders’ way of addressing racism back then. It was a space that helped build black pride within the community. The glory days lasted 25 years.
From 1986 onwards, the club began to lose members and, with them, revenues decreased. With little activity, the aristocrat ended up evicted from his own property. The new managers negotiated the land with the São Paulo city hall, paid off the club’s debts and purchased a new headquarters in 2015.
Living in a middle-class neighborhood is a far cry from the club’s heyday. But, as one of the few remaining members says, a new “seed” has been planted.
*This content was produced in collaboration with Aristocrata Clube, a sociocultural space that seeks to enhance black culture and identity.
Source: Terra
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