Hello!

What feels like a long, long time ago now, we had the pleasure of meeting Ron Stephens Jr., a gifted photographer who grew up in our neighborhood and who was assigned by Go Mt. Airy to take photos of Sam and I before the bakery opened. We chatted while he was shooting the space and he told us that his wife, Cristina, was an excellent chef who did private dinner parties and events — Ron had even gotten into photography initially so that he could help Cristina take photos of her food. While both Cristina and Ron worked full-time jobs, they pursued this passion of photography and cooking on the side, to incredible results. Cristina’s pop-up, DaSilva Spoon, is a an incredible look into the mind of a personal chef who uses ingredients from her island heritage and local fresh flavors.

It’s no surprise that I was drawn to Cristina and Ron: A married couple who works together to make beautiful food and wonderful art? When it works, there is simply nothing like it. I knew Cristina, whose family is from Cape Verde and whose cooking is greatly inspired by the West African island, would have a lot to say about this week’s Pastry Passport treat: slices of torta de goiaba. Torta de goiaba is a sponge cake roll filled with guava and lime jam and topped with powdered sugar and lime zest. Light, sweet, flavorful. Out at 9am on Saturday, for $5.

I caught up with Cristina about what makes Cabo Verde so special, what she loves about being a private chef, and how you can get in touch if you’re looking for a delicious meal for a party.

Downtime Bakery: Tell me a bit about yourself and your cooking background. What are you working on now? How did you get into baking and cooking?

Cristina DaSilva: Cooking has always been a part of who I am. My love for food started with my Cape Verdean mom. Ever since I was about five years old, I was right beside her in the kitchen — watching, asking questions, sneaking little tastes, and learning. Those moments sparked a passion that's only grown over the years.

I'm inspired by my Cape Verdean roots, but I also have a love for traveling and experiencing different cultures through food. While being a chef is my "5 to 9," my "9 to 5" is in the finance industry, where I've built a successful career over the past 14 years.

DTB: What is your relationship to torta de goiaba? Any memories from eating torta de goiaba stand out?

CDS: One of my favorite childhood memories is going to family parties. My mom was always the one bringing a dish, and she still is to this day.

If you've ever been to a Cape Verdean party, you know the dessert table is just as important as the main meal. I can still remember the smell of my mom's torta de goiaba baking. Every time I smell guava, it takes me right back to those moments.

Those memories are a big part of why I love to cook. Food has always meant family, culture, and bringing people together and that's exactly what I hope every meal I make does.

DTB: What makes torta de goiaba special? What is the perfect torta de goiaba?

CDS: To me, torta de goiaba is the perfect dessert. It's light, just sweet enough, with a hint of citrus. Pair it with a hot cup of tea, and that's pure comfort. Every bite reminds me of home.

DTB: Tell us what you wish people understood about cooking and baking from Cabo Verde. What makes it special? What do you wish people knew about your baking and cooking traditions in Cabo Verde?

CDS: I am incredibly proud to be Cape Verdean. One of the things I love most about our culture is how welcoming we are. We have a way of making everyone feel like family, whether you've known us for years or just walked through the door.

We show our love through food, music, laughter, and hospitality. Sharing a meal isn't just about eating it's about creating connection. That's the spirit I bring to every table I set and every dish I serve.

All I ask is that people take the time to learn about our history and our culture. Cabo Verde has so many beautiful layers, and the more you learn, the more you fall in love with it.

Everyone is welcome at my table, and my hope is that every guest leaves feeling like family.

Viva Cabo Verde! 🇨🇻

Anything in particular you'd like to plug or shout out? 

If you're in the Philadelphia area and looking for a private chef for your next dinner party, celebration, or special occasion, I'd love to cook for you. Visit DaSilva Spoon at dasilvaspoon.com or find me on Instagram at