Where it all Started...
In a small seaside village called Burgau nestled in the beautiful coast of the Algarve, Savoring the Thyme was born. Little did I know at the time it would become the inspiration & driving force for my concept. During this time it was early on in my career & cooking journey, I had just left Boston working under Jody Adams and arrived to Portugal for the first time. Coming from Portuguese descent, I felt a strong, deep and unexplainable connection to the land and the country, knowing that one day I would live in Portugal.
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Around a Table...
In Burgau along the beautiful coast overlooking the hundreds of shades of ocean blue, were these fields of wild thyme growing, with the beautiful aroma flowing with each gust of wind. I was captivated by such an abundance of thyme at my fingertips. I never seen or smelt anything like it. Everyday I would go and harvest the thyme, using it in as many ways as I could! From flower vases, cooking with it, making cocktails with it, infusing it into honey you name it!
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An Idea was Born...
One night during a beautiful dinner I hosted with a new friend I was living with, (whom now 10 years later is practically is an Aunt to me) enthusiastically says amidst our lovely conversation, "wow wow wow! Nicole look at us, we are literally Savoring the Thyme together! It is in the vases, it's in the food, it's in the drinks, it's in the love poured into the food!" And just like that through a simple phrase, the inspiration for Savoring the Thyme was born. Around a table, with people you enjoy, with food made with love and intention, full of beautiful thoughtful conversations, a moment of true presence! All of that being the essence of what I strive to create through each delicious experience. A reminder of the importance of sharing food around a table!