Interview with Leticia Moreinos Schwartz

Leticia Moreinos Schwartz is a native Brazilian who knows what is real Brazilian Food. She is the author of one of the few cookbooks about Brazilian cuisine entitled "The Brazilian Kitchen". She accepted politely to answer my questions so get a taste of Brazil below!

When did you find out that you wanted to become a chef?


It was more of a gradual process. I have been cooking all my life, but I really didn’t know that there was an official profession of “chef” until I visited a cooking school in my early 20s. After a few months of research and a visit to The French Culinary institute, I knew I wanted my belly to be stuck to a range for the rest of my life

Who is your ideal client?

I really enjoy cooking for those who enjoy food, especially ethnic cuisine

What will you be serving this summer?

I am going to spend the summer in Brazil. My hometown is Rio but I’ll be doing lots of side trips and going on culinary adventures searching for what I’ll be serving next

What is your culinary secret?

Know your oven. We all have different ovens and what takes 6 minutes in my oven might take 12 minutes in another one

Any particular favorite tastes?

I love everything with coconut
What’s your favorite recipe from your book?

I really love all of them. Together they represent a collection of classic and contemporary Brazilian dishes. I make them over and over again even after developing them and having eaten each at least 30 times

One food you really dislike:

Sweetbreads

3 favorite must-haves in your cupboards are:

Onion, garlic, olive oil

Tell us one restaurant that you enjoy eating:

Olympe in Rio de Janeiro

Your next step will be to…

Work on another book

And finally, what is your favorite gastronomic destination?

Brazil