Woodspoon: Brazilian Local Gem Going 14 Years Strong
The definition of “hidden gem” refers to a place so removed from the naked eye that you might have walked by it a few times without noticing it was there, but when you finally visit it you discover an abundant treasure. There is no better way to describe WoodSpoon, the 14-year-old hidden gem tucked into the corner of 9th and Main in Downtown LA.
Natalia Pereira has a story worth telling, her path from Minas Gerais, Brazil to owning a Brazilian restaurant in Downtown LA, was filled with trials, miracles, passion, talent, and a little bit of luck. Of course, Downtown was much different in 2006, being a Black woman and a new business-owner—Natalia was no stranger to proving people wrong especially when it came to her cooking.
WoodSpoon’s 36 person capacity, location, and ambiance are all very intentional- she wants it to feel like her home and her patrons are all her dinner guests. In fact, she doesn’t even call herself a chef, she says, “For me, cooking is the most expressive and intimate thing you could do for someone.” Like many restauranteurs of today, Natalia never imagined in 14 years that she’d have to shut down due to a global pandemic. The culture behind her concept revolves around Brazilian traditions like gathering in cozy spaces, laughing, hugging, and sharing plates- all the things that transfer COVID-19.
It wasn’t easy to close her doors to her regular patrons, but it was even harder to say goodbye to some of her staff that had been with her for years. When things were at somewhat standstill in March, Natalia found a new way to keep giving back, “We all have a story to tell, and I think mine is worth sharing,” and so she wrote a book titled, My Life In Recipes.
It is a combination of her staple dishes, life advice like how to sew a button, empowering messages for women, and other bits of wisdom she has picked up through the ages. It is a coffee table book and available for pre-order on her website.
Despite how time-consuming writing a book can be, Natalia did not let WoodSpoon fade into the background. She has been working alongside 3 of her employees with a new adjusted menu for takeout and delivery, “Brazilians we don’t use microwaves, I like to cook and serve fresh!” So for her to-go meals, she recommends heating things up on a stovetop, “Simply separate the ingredients and put the stove on low heat.”
Natalia plans on reopening in July, but no date has been set yet. In the meantime, you can catch her on Zoom teaching how to cook delicious Brazilian meals and laughing it up with attendees.
eatwoodspoon.com | 107 W. 9th St
Written by Mariana Ramos | Photography courtesy of Woodspoon, Kort & Logan Havens
