Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricardo Oriente Mendes and Camilo Quadros.
The Brazilian Guys began, as the name implies, with Ricardo from São Paulo and Camilo from Mato Grosso do Sul, with a passion for the culinary arts, compassion and culture. They wanted to meld elements of traditional Brazilian cuisine with American culinary styles, creating a unique Brazilian-American fusion rarely tasted in the States. Using the two cast iron pans, they created a variety of delicious fusion dishes – stuffed hash browns, stuffed sweet potatoes and stuffed cassava – a starchy yet nutritious root found in Amazon, Brazil. They began selling their dishes at farmers markets and about a year ago, they started their shop.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Coming to the United States from Brazil was the first challenge. We were just kids trying to start this business we are passionate about. When you are a new, unique business, it is a struggle just to get your name out. We go market to market to meet and give samples to the market managers. We spend hours a week on social media. We form a friendship with farmers to get the best quality product at a great cost. Every day is a struggle in a small business, but that’s what makes you the best at what you do, overcoming those challenges.
The Brazilian Guys – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Ricardo is passionate about food. He has a degree in culinary school and has worked professionally in the area for 10 years.
Camilo is also a food lover and has experience working in the food industry.
Ricardo is the head cook and owner of The Brazilian Guys.
Camilo is social media manager, assistant chef and co-owner.
We are most proud of how far we have gotten in this life. 3 years ago we started… our unique style to cook the savory pies and the mix between Brazilian and American is what sets us apart from others.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
In my opinion, success is something that come from the heart. It directs you and gives you all the strength, focus, energy and makes you believe thru all times, good and bad, that you can do it. I also believe that success comes with the support of family and friends.
Our success is to see every day more and more people eating our food and having an amazing experience.
Pricing:
- Stuffedhashbrown $7-$12
- Cheese bread balls $8
- Tapioca crepe $10-$15
- Açaí bowl $9
Contact Info:
- Address: 3085 Reynard Way, Mission Hills, CA 92103
- Email: thebrazilianguys@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrazilianguys
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thebrazilianguys
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/the-brazilian-guys-san-diego
Image Credit:
Ella Mendes, Yara Larmers, Rafael Mendes
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