TASTES LIKE HOME
Food memories.
“Since I was a little kid I was drawn to the kitchen. My mum is a good cook, so we’d always have the best home-cooked food. As with any family in Argentina, Sundays were all about getting together for an asado (Argentinian-style barbecue). This was my father’s department so I learned my love for food from both my parents.
Every Sunday my dad would go through the ritual of lighting the fire, seasoning the meat and, of course, opening a bottle of good wine. The meat could be beef fillet, short rib, blood sausage or pork belly but the meal was never complete without some of mum’s famous empanadas. The grilled meats and empanadas went perfectly with a fresh tomato and red onion salad, chimichurri (a spicy, herby Argentinian sauce) and my favourite, aubergine escabeche (marinated aubergines). Sundays would end with my grandfathers and father having siestas in random locations around the house or garden. No matter how many times I’ve made these empanadas they’re never quite as good as mum’s… I guess food in your memory always tastes better.” Diego Cardoso is executive chef of Harry’s Dolce Vita restaurant in London
LAZY SUNDAY, FROM LEFT Diego with sister Auri, brother Andres and their grandfather Ivo
FOOD PHOTOGRAPH: STUART OVENDEN. FOOD STYLING: JEN BEDLOE. STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR