Chef Carlos Fuenmayor is the owner and chef of Sabrosito, a private catering company where he specializes in in-home parties, as well as larger events, often with a teaching and Latino focus. He also offers cooking classes, both privately and through organizations such as the LCBO. He is Cordon Bleu trained and loves classical French cuisine, but his roots are South American, which is why his work celebrates Pan-Latino cooking and culture. He is a blogger and loves to dance.
What inspired you to become a chef?
My grandmother Wilma, who took care of us when we were kids and was a great cook.
What is your favourite dish that you make and why?
I’ll say arepas. Although they’re made everywhere in South America, they represent Venezuela like few other foods. I grew up eating them, and they’re a food that’s loaded with memory for me.
Three ingredients you couldn’t live without and why?
Avocado, lime and olive oil, because they’re just so delicious together.
On your day off – what are you cooking at home? If you’re eating out, where do you go?
When the weather’s cooler, I make guisado, a saucy comfort-food stew loaded with whatever looks good in the market. If I’m busy and/or exhausted from work, I make my favourite ham and cheese pita-wrap, with capers, olives, mayo, mustard, lettuce and tomato. It’s a sloppy mess but absolutely delicious.
My top three for eating out are Torito (276 Augusta), The Black Hoof (928 Dundas Street West) and Mistura (265 Davenport Road). I love what they do. They’re thinking and execution are right down my alley.
What is your favourite thing about the food scene in Toronto?
What I like the most is we can have food all over the world in a 15 mile radius. I also love participating at food events around town with chefs from different backgrounds, to be reminded of how we all come from somewhere else and bring something interesting because of that.
What’s coming up?
I’ll be back at the Evergreen Brickworks for the Slow Food Toronto picnic on Sunday, October 3rd. Come by and say hola!
My LCBO cooking class series: Latino Street Food!
Wednesday, October 20th at Bayview Village LCBO
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Tuesday, November 9th at Summerhill LCBO
6:30pm to 8:30pm