Walking path leading to a view on the lakes of Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal
If you’re unfamiliar with the Azores Islands, you’re not alone. These islands are a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean known for their incredible natural beauty complete with cascading waterfalls, rugged coasts, black and golden sand beaches, crater lakes, calderas, lush forests and more. From whale watching and diving to epic hiking and paragliding, there is an endless list of adventures to be had on these nine, under-the-radar islands.
Another draw? The cuisine. Rustic, hearty and rooted in tradition, Azorean food is fresh fish, savory seafood and meat stews, cheese and dairy, pot roasts and so much more. Who better to learn more about this lesser-known cuisine, than from an esteemed Portuguese chef who grew up in the Azores? Bay Area-born Portuguese Chef Telmo Faria moved back to the island of Faial when he was only a year old. His first restaurant experience came when his father opened 'Adega Santa' in Horta, Faial. It was there that his love of cooking and hospitality was forged.
From daily shopping trips with his father to the small seasonal stalls of the local outdoor market; purchasing fresh fish directly from fishermen at the city's docks; and visiting butchers selling local, sustainably raised meats, this is what shaped Chef Telmo’s foundation as a fine dining chef.
Elevated view on Feteiras on Sao Miguel, Azores
In the past 18 years, he’s worked in the kitchens of LaSalette Restaurant in Sonoma; Montrio Bistro in Monterey; as the Executive Chef for the TMI restaurant group which includes restaurants Tacolicious and Mosto in San Franscisco. And for the last seven years, he has been the Executive Chef and Owner of UMA CASA Portuguese restaurant in San Francisco, using the inspiration of his childhood and heritage to bring to the Bay Area the flavors of Portugal.
Currently, Chef Telmo is gearing up for his second Azores Islands chef-led culinary tour, Savor The Azores With Chef Telmo 2023, where he guides guests on a food adventure throughout the region. In this chef-led tour, guests will gain intimate knowledge about Faial, Pico, Terceira and São Miguel Islands while exploring the markets, eateries, wineries and more.
“The Azores are largely unknown to the outside world, compared to other island travel destinations like Hawaii and the Caribbean... etc., so sharing them with our guests is always exciting and provides many wonderful memories and eye opening moments for new visitors,” says Chef Telmo Faria. “Also, and I guess most importantly, my family is from there. I grew up there, I have friends and relatives there, my father owned a restaurant there and I’ve frequented many of the places that we visit on the tour.”
“I’m largely influenced by the Azores and their bounty. It’s helped to shape and define my career as a chef. This trip is about me sharing that and my journey with our guests. They get an intimate and personal view of the Azores from someone who is very proud and passionate about the Islands and their people.”
Chef Telmo Faria
“Tour Azores has an amazing network of local guides that are incredibly friendly, passionate and knowledgeable about the Azores,” continues Chef Telmo. “The experience they provide is personal but professional and very well organized. From arrival to departure, guests will have everything they need to have a unique and memorable experience”
We chatted with Chef Telmo Faria on his upcoming Azores Tour, Azorean cuisine and culture and more. Here’s what he had to say.
Talk about Azorean cuisine — what is it like and what are its What are some signature dishes of this type of food?
Azorean cuisine is similar to continental Portuguese cuisine in that its foundation is a Mediterranean flavor palate (olive oil, onions, garlic, tomato, wine, herbs... etc.). Some of its traditional dishes, especially the Bacalhau (salt cod) are the same, but it’s very unique in that it previously served as a Mid-Atlantic stopping point for explorers, traders, and sailors and the islands were influenced by different cultures and cuisines that would come through.
The use of hard spices is a lot more prevalent, as are hearty root vegetables and tubers like turnips, sweet potatoes and taro root. Moreover, because some islands are closer to the equator, the region produces things like pineapples, tea, coffee and avocados. Lastly the Archipelago sits in one of the biggest and most varied fisheries in the world, providing an abundance of unique species of fish and seafood that are commonly eaten such as limpets, barnacles, slipper lobster, eels... etc. among many other more common species.
What is this culture known for and why is it compelling to explore and learn more about?
The culture is known for their hard work, resourcefulness and hospitality. Being that they were mostly isolated for many centuries, the Azoreans had to adapt to life on the islands and make the most of what the land and sea provided, using everything and letting nothing go to waste.
As a result many items are artisanal and made locally — from cheese to charcuteries, wines, spirits, pastries, textiles and crafts... etc. Azoreans have always lived off the land so they treat their surroundings with respect, focusing on the environment and sustainability in every aspect of island life. They have a very interesting, rich history and beautiful and varied landscapes. They are a very warm and welcoming people. I like to say that they are the Hawaii of Europe.
The famous traditional dish of the Azores is Cozido das Furnas. Vegetables and meat are cooked for a ... [+]
Talk about your upcoming tour. What are the highlights and what's on the itinerary?
The islands offer so much for such a small place. First and foremost is the natural beauty of the volcanic islands, from black sand beaches, to lush flora, green pastures, steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lagoons and geothermal mineral hot springs, they really are breathtaking in their raw form.
Second, is our focus on the local food and beverages of the region. We will visit markets, local cheese makers, pastry shops, restaurants, wineries, distilleries and more — each one producing things and specialties that are unique to the respective island or region.
Lastly, guests get to savor a couple of meals prepared by me in collaboration with local chefs (who I happen to know since childhood) giving them different perspectives on the use of local ingredients and cooking techniques.
Have you hosted trips before? What made you want to start touring groups like this and why the Azores Islands?
We hosted a successful inaugural tour last year, and decided to do another this year, building on last year's success. I always wanted to do an Azores tour for the above reasons, I just think they are so unique, beautiful and have so much to offer. It's a place I'm very passionate about and wanted to offer that lens or point of view to people that love food and wine focused travel.
What do you hope guests take away from a trip with you? What should guests be looking forward to?
I hope they takeaway a newfound love for the Archipelago, its people, and its delicious food and beverage offerings. Guests should look forward to a personal view of a very beautiful, unique, and largely undiscovered region of the world, as well as tasting many new delicious things, and while doing it in comfort. From air travel, to ground transportation, guided tours, meals, and lodging at 4 star properties, Tour Azores does a wonderful job of putting together a once in a lifetime experience for our gastronome. Guests are also able to enjoy free time and explore at their leisure.
