A Blend of Cultures
The Di Virgilio–Patel family’s food is a unique blend of Portuguese and Indian cuisines, a reflection of their diverse backgrounds and experiences. This blend is not just about combining different ingredients, but about creating a new culinary identity that is both personal and reflective of their Houstonian roots.
The Story Begins
It all started when Rick Di Virgilio and Shiva Patel met in 2006 at Di Virgilio’s first restaurant, Oporto Café. Patel, a customer, walked into the tiny coffee shop and was drawn to the classic Portuguese cuisine and Italian café staples. As they talked, a romance developed, and Patel became more involved in the restaurant, bringing her corporate banking and commercial real estate background to the table. She also pursued culinary school, adding her own unique touches to the menu, inspired by her Indian heritage.
A Family’s History
Patel’s parents were born in Tanzania, where her Indian grandparents had settled during British colonization. They later moved to London, where Patel was born, and eventually to Houston in 1988. Di Virgilio’s family, on the other hand, came to Houston in 1978 from upstate New York, where his Italian father and Portuguese mother had settled. This diverse background has influenced their culinary approach, which they prefer to call a "blending of cultures" rather than "fusion."
Restaurant Ventures
The couple’s first joint venture, Queen Vic, opened in 2009, combining British and Indian cuisines with a focus on craft beer. In 2015, they opened Oporto Fooding House & Wine, offering traditional Portuguese food with Indian influences. Their latest venture, Da Gama, launched in 2021, features a global menu with dishes like samosas, chana masala, and saag paneer, alongside Portuguese-African creations and original recipes.
Da Gama: A New Chapter
Da Gama is named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who established the spice trade route between Europe and Asia. The restaurant’s menu takes diners on a similar journey, with dishes inspired by the couple’s diverse backgrounds. From Tanzanian yucca and beef mishkaki to Goan specialties and Portuguese-Indian fusion dishes, the menu is a reflection of their culinary influences.
A Houstonian Culinary Identity
While Da Gama draws inspiration from the past, it is not bound by traditional culinary molds. The couple is quick to note that their restaurant is not a Goan restaurant, but rather a unique blend of their experiences and influences. This blending of cultures has created a new culinary identity that is distinctly Houstonian.
Conclusion
The Di Virgilio–Patel family’s culinary journey is a testament to the power of diversity and creativity. Their restaurants, particularly Da Gama, offer a unique dining experience that reflects the couple’s diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a reflection of their Houstonian roots, their cuisine is a blend of cultures, creating a new and exciting culinary identity that is both personal and reflective of the city’s diverse heritage.
