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A Grill Master's Journey from Brazil to Southern California

Silvio's Story

Silvio’s passion for cooking ignited at the age of 14, spending weekends exploring the North Coast beaches of São Paulo, Brazil. It was in the vibrant surf town of Maresias Beach where he fell in love with the art of grilling — sourcing fresh fish directly from local fishermen and wrapping it in banana leaves with vegetables and seasonings, cooking it over an open flame.

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His love for barbecue grew stronger with every gathering. He began selecting prime cuts from the local butcher and grilling for friends and family. Before long, word of Silvio’s unforgettable BBQ spread, and he began receiving invitations to cook at private parties across his hometown.

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In 2000, Silvio brought his Brazilian flavor to Southern California, and by 2003, he co-founded Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ Catering in the South Bay. The company quickly rose to become one of Los Angeles’ most in-demand food vendors, cooking for major music and cultural events including Coachella, Stagecoach, Warped Tour, and the Mundials of Jiu-Jitsu Tournaments, among many other iconic festivals. At Coachella alone, his team once grilled over 4,000 pounds of meat in a single weekend.

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In 2008, Silvio and his partners opened their first restaurant, Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ, on the iconic Hermosa Beach Pier. The vibrant eatery quickly became a beloved local landmark, known for its bold Brazilian flavors and the relaxed spirit of Southern California. It went on to earn the title of Best Ethnic BBQ for eight consecutive years in the Easy Reader’s Best of the Beach Awards.

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In 2017, Silvio returned to his roots, launching Silvio's Personal Chef, bringing his live-fire culinary experience into private homes and exclusive events across the region.

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​In 2018, Silvio launched TROPICALI Brazilian Kitchen, a catering company that delivers fresh, traditional Brazilian cuisine with a contemporary touch. He created a special menu designed to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring there's something delicious for everyone to enjoy. TROPICALI has proudly served top corporate clients across a wide range of industries — from entertainment to technology — catering events for companies throughout the Los Angeles area.

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Silvio’s journey has been shaped by hard work, flavor, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Fueled by passion and tradition, he continues to inspire and impress — one flame, one dish, and one unforgettable BBQ at a time.

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