Over the years, as a chef in New York City, I have been blessed with many wonderful Brazilian customers who have enriched my life with their stories, passion, loyalty, and friendship. The day I met Boni, he immediately became the patriarch of all things Brazilian, and all things French that the Brazilians love!

Boni and I met in the early 90s. His knowledge of food, passion for wine, and joie de vivre struck me immediately. He always manages to light up the dining room, energize the staff, and keep me excited in the kitchen. Boni genuinely cares for chefs like a father, a brother, a friend.

Amongst many trips to Brazil, a memorable moment was shared with Boni during a trip to Sao Paulo. He invited me to Angra dos Reis with our dear friends Uajdi Moreira and Laurent Suaudeau. Of course, when in Brazil with Boni, you don’t drive, you take a helicopter! It was a fantastic party with a steady stream of caipirinhas and Boni was the grand chef overseeing the paella. A party with Boni means three hours of drinking followed by three hours of eating. Between sips, good music, and conversation, Boni gave me a master class on paella with so much pride. Now and again, he had me stir the rice and seafood, but Boni was in charge. My task was to open some great bottles from his cellar. One thing is for sure, Boni would travel the world for a good meal.

Merci Boni pour être cet homme extraordinaire et d’avoir partagé ta passion pour la bonne cuisine et le grand vin avec moi et mes amis chefs à New York, à Paris ou à Rio. Ta générosité, ton soutien et ton amitié sont légendaires! On t’adore mon ami. Amitiés.

"Boni was the grand chef overseeing the paella. A party with Boni means three hours of drinking followed by three hours of eating. Boni loves chefs and chefs love Boni!"