For Romulo, the story behind Meritíssimo begins before a dish reaches the kitchen. It begins with the work of growing and raising food, the difficulty of having enough, and the lessons his mother, Zilda Marques, passed on at the family table.
A community that shared what it produced
In the community where Romulo grew up, families traded what they had. One raised pigs; another had eggs, vegetables or other meat. Food passed between neighbors as the result of someone’s daily effort. Money was not the only way a meal came together.
What Zilda Marques taught us
Before lunch and dinner, the family thanked God for what was on the table. Planting, caring for animals and waiting for a harvest made the value of that meal concrete. Romulo remembers this as a lesson in gratitude: appreciate the food, and respect the work that made it possible.
Another meal from what was already there
Rice could become little savory fritters. Rice and beans could come together in a mexido, with onion, garlic and an egg. Making thoughtful use of food was part of family life. It was a way to recognize how much work had gone into having it in the first place.
The lesson in our Fitchburg kitchen
We do not know every person along every ingredient’s journey. But we know there is work behind the rice, beans, meat, milk and cheese that arrive in our kitchen. Our responsibility is to treat them with attention, prepare them with care and make that effort worthwhile at the customer’s table. This value belongs to the whole restaurant.
Why we begin with pão de queijo
A warm batch is a simple way to share that lesson. Real cheese, a home-style recipe and people gathered around something they enjoy. From our bakery in Fitchburg to your family table, we want the care to be something you can taste.
Bring the next batch to your table
377 John Fitch Hwy, Fitchburg, MA · Confirm stock and pickup timing with our team.