New bakery offers a taste of Portugal in Chatham-Kent

The owners of a popular Chatham restaurant have answered a request to open a new bakery to bring a “taste of Portugal” to the city.

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Chef Brian Machado, along with his partners, fellow chef Matt Harlick and his sister Melanie Vinagreiro, opened Nova Vida, a gourmet style Portuguese bakery at the Avalon luxury condominium complex at 364 Grand Ave. E.

Machado, his sister Melanie and their parents Antonio and Fernanda have enjoyed this style of bakery during their trips to Portugal over the years.

“These European cafes and bakeries are all over the place and they are just so popular,” he said.

Similar style bakeries have opened elsewhere in Ontario, including in Toronto, London and Kitchener, he said.

Machado admits he was hesitant to take on the project when first approached by brothers Mike and John Gregory, owners of Ark Construction and Design, who asked his team to open a bakery at their new condo.

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Noting after years of building up Churrascaria Steakhouse down the road on Grand Avenue, Machado said life had finally become more relaxed thanks to the great support of the community over the years.

However, he said the Gregory brothers, who are regular customers at Churrascaria, were persistent.

He said the partners talked about it with their spouses and families, including his parents, who are also partners, and “Nova Vida was born.”

Noting the Gregory brothers “are amazing men and have been very supportive,” Machado said the support for the new bakery has been “overwhelming” with lineups to get in when the doors open.

Machado said Nova Vida means new life.

“It’s a new chapter that we’re embarking on,” he said.

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“Now we’re up at 4 am at the bakery and then back at the restaurant for lunch,” he added.

Noting he and Harlick are chef de cuisines, Machado said they dabble in baking and making desserts.

He said the bakery features pasties de nata, traditional Portuguese custard tarts, along with bolas de Berlim, or Berlin balls, a traditional cake in Portugal. They also serve a selection of specialty coffees including espresso, latte and cappuccino.

Machado said Nova Vida, “is showcasing our Portuguese community, our heritage, what we have to offer.

“We are super-blessed to be able to offer something like this in Chatham.”

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