Discovering Chef George Mendes
George Mendes, the acclaimed chef known for his Michelin-starred restaurant Aldea in New York, is now at the helm of Amar, a refined Portuguese restaurant in Boston. In a captivating episode of the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal hosted by Tony Gonçalves, Mendes shares his culinary journey from the Culinary Institute of New York to his deep-rooted passion for Portuguese cuisine.
Mendes reflects on his early days in culinary school, humorously recalling how he earned the nickname “George Burns” for burning his dishes. At Amar, located in Raffles Boston, he skillfully blends his heritage with his culinary talent, featuring standout dishes like shrimp with garlic, butter, and sweet paprika, inspired by a family recipe.
The Evolution of Portuguese Gastronomy
He also discusses the evolution of Portugal's gastronomic scene and its influence on his work. Tony Gonçalves, who emigrated from northern Portugal to the U.S. at the age of four, has a rich professional background, including roles at Sharp Electronics, Samsung, and WarnerMedia. He founded the Evrose Group to guide Portuguese businesses in their international growth.
In 2024, Gonçalves partnered with Tribeca, based in New York, and SIC to launch the first edition of the Tribeca Festival outside the U.S. in Lisbon, where he served as executive producer. The podcast aims to unite a community passionate about Portugal through conversations with prominent figures connected to the cultural and business landscape.
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