How a Bowl of Cachupa in New Bedford Will Help Cape Verde

This Saturday, a bowl of cachupa in New Bedford will mean more than just a hearty Cape Verdean meal; it will mean hope.

Magic Kitchen, the newly-opened international fusion restaurant at 130 Nauset Street, is teaming up with owner and chef Papi Tavares to help his family and the community in Cape Verde after a devastating storm hit São Vicente last Sunday. The storm is being described as one of the worst in the island’s history, claiming at least nine lives and leaving behind extensive damage.

Among those who perished was Tavares’s cousin, Tataxim Binicio.

“His memory will live on in my heart, and I'll continue to honor his legacy,” Tavares said, offering condolences to the Binicio family.

A Bowl of Cachupa With a Purpose

In response, Magic Kitchen will donate $5 from every bowl of cachupa sold on Saturday, August 16 directly to recovery efforts. The funds will be sent to associations working on the ground in São Vicente to help rebuild homes and restore lives.

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“Right now my heart is with the Cape Verdean people in São Vicente,” Tavares said. “We have fresh cachupa every Saturday, and this weekend, every bowl will go toward helping my home island heal.”

Side note: on the Magic Kitchen menu, you'll notice that "cachupa" is spelled in the traditional Cape Verdean Creole/Kriolu way: "katxupa." That's how authentic it is.

Cachupa, a beloved Cape Verdean dish, is typically a slow-cooked stew of hominy, beans, vegetables and meats. Magic Kitchen offers both the traditional soupy version and a refried version often served with eggs, linguiça or fish.

A Chef With Global Flavor and Local Heart

While the focus this weekend is on giving back, Tavares’s passion for cooking goes far beyond this fundraiser.

A graduate of the International Culinary Center of New York, he has traveled to 37 countries, learning and blending flavors into what he calls a “world fusion” style. His restaurant, which opened earlier this month, features Cape Verdean, Portuguese, American, and other international dishes, served with his signature “magic sauce” and hospitality.

“I believe New Bedford was my stepping stone coming from Cape Verde, and now I’m back here to be a partner to the community,” Tavares said. “I want people to be part of the magic.”

How to Take Part in Saturday’s Fundraiser

The fundraiser starts at 7 a.m.. and runs all day Saturday at Magic Kitchen, located at 130 Nauset Street, New Bedford. Guests can enjoy a bowl of cachupa and know they’re making a difference for families thousands of miles away.