36. Manu Buffara: Community Is Key

Beaches, caipirinhas, açaí, and the Amazon are probably just a few things that come to mind when Brazil is mentioned, but there is so much more to this diverse nation than our preconceptions.   Being Latin America's largest country, it's layered with both international and indigenous influences, history, experiences and cuisine across its different regions.     In this episode, we learn about Curitiba through today's guest Manoella "Manu" Buffara, chef-owner of Manu, a restaurant that has singlehandedly put this city on the map and exposed food lovers to its culinary scene.   Curitiba, located in the southern part of Brazil, is most sought after for its agricultural biodiversity and farming lands -- something Manu is deeply integrated in.     Manu has become known around the globe as a figure that leads by example with her work. Not only has she created a sustainable ecosystem in her restaurant through responsibly sourced products, she's dedicated her time to create farming programs that educate local underserved communities.     We talk about her work installing over 4,000 beehives in the region, transformed 89 abandoned sites into urban gardens, and her support of local artisans.     In addition, she gives us a glimpse into her 2nd restaurant Ella which is slated to open mid 2022 in Chelsea, NY.     For more info on Manu:   http://www.restaurantemanu.com.br/us-en/menu-us-en/       Follow Manu Buffara on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/manubuffara/     Follow On The Pass: https://www.instagram.com/itsonthepass/?hl=en   Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielmornelas/?hl=en   Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com