Rubén Pacheco Correia: The Canadian Connection and Portuguese Identity

A central pillar of the interview on Sentir Pensar E Agir is the umbilical relationship Rubén Pacheco Correia maintains with Canada. On his 20th visit to the country, Rubén shares a reflection that resonates deeply with the immigrant community: the idea that he sometimes feels “more Azorean in Toronto than in the Azores themselves.” This statement, though provocative, is grounded in the observation of how the diaspora preserves collective memory and traditions with a purity that European modernity often dilutes.

For Rubén Pacheco Correia, Canada represents the pinnacle of multiculturalism and integration. He describes the seamless crossing between Little Italy and Little Portugal on College Street as a global example of how different cultures can coexist and strengthen one another. However, his primary focus remains on the preservation of Azorean identity. He praises the Luso-Canadian community for keeping the spirit of fraternity and pride in their origins alive, something he considers vital for the cultural survival of Portugal beyond its borders.

Rómulo Ávila guides the conversation toward Rubén’s early childhood memories in Brampton, proving that the flame of this passion for Canada was ignited during a short stay when he was just a toddler. This background explains why Rubén Pacheco Correia feels so at home in Toronto, a city he views as an extension of the Azorean archipelago—a place where identity is not just remembered, but actively lived and protected through community radio, television, and social gatherings.

Gastronomy as Heritage and Business Excellence

The passion Rubén Pacheco Correia has for gastronomy was not born by chance; it was cooked at home, amidst the warmth of pots and the aroma of traditional recipes. With a grandmother and mother as chefs, and a father with vast experience in the cruise industry, Rubén was quite literally “born at the table.” This family heritage was the engine that led him to open his first restaurant, O Lote, in Rabo de Peixe, when he was only 18 years old.

Today, with a decade of history in the restaurant industry, Rubén Pacheco Correia manages landmark projects like Mercado in Vila Franca do Campo. He emphasizes that while commercial success is important, his connection to food is primarily emotional. During the episode, he uses the metaphor of a “pressure cooker” to describe his life: always under pressure, yet always ready to feed and serve others, reflecting his entrepreneurial and generous nature.

On Sentir Pensar E Agir, Rubén explains that the restaurant industry in the Azores is currently facing significant challenges. He speaks candidly about the shifting landscape of tourism and the need for high-quality investment that respects the local environment. For Rubén Pacheco Correia, gastronomy is a form of cultural communication—every plate served is a story told about the land and the people who cultivate it.

Literature and the Next Great Work of Rubén Pacheco Correia

While gastronomy provides his livelihood and public visibility, the true soul of Rubén Pacheco Correia resides in writing. Having written since childhood, Rubén sees literature as his most eternal form of communication. He confesses to Rómulo Ávila that if he had a magic lamp, his wish would be to “write eternally and live off writing.”

During the conversation, Rubén reveals exclusive details about his next literary project. It is a historical novel that promises to be his most mature work to date. Rubén Pacheco Correia describes the rigorous research process where historical truth merges with fiction to tell stories that matter. This book represents Rubén’s definitive transition from “playing at writing” to establishing himself as a heavyweight author in the Portuguese literary landscape. He believes that titles often find him before the story even begins, acting as the foundation for the narrative structure.

Defending Rabo de Peixe and Social Advocacy

It is impossible to discuss Rubén Pacheco Correia without mentioning his hometown, Rabo de Peixe. With admirable courage, Rubén uses the platform of Sentir Pensar E Agir to combat the social stigma that still haunts this fishing village. He criticizes how fiction and poverty indices are sometimes used to negatively label an entire community, ignoring the humanity, talent, and kindness of the people of Rabo de Peixe.

As a “man of causes,” Rubén Pacheco Correia does not shy away from political topics. He identifies as a spiritual heir to the political thought of Francisco Sá Carneiro, prioritizing individual freedom and financial independence as the only ways to speak truth to power. Rubén is critical of the current “partisan stew” in the Azores and calls for more technical and competent management in crucial areas like healthcare and tourism, arguing that the archipelago needs leaders with “global experience” and entrepreneurial dynamics.

The Fight Against Misinformation and the Digital Future

In the closing segment of the interview, Rubén Pacheco Correia offers vital advice for current and future generations: the importance of questioning information. In a world dominated by the “dictatorship of the algorithm” and the spread of fake news, Rubén warns against the dangers of populism and misinformation, especially on social media. He reminds us that the Portuguese are, by definition, a people of immigrants, and that today Portugal has the opportunity and duty to return that welcome to the new immigrants arriving in the country.

This episode of Sentir Pensar E Agir with Rubén Pacheco Correia is a lesson in citizenship and love for one’s roots. It is an invitation to reflect on who we are and where we want to go, celebrating the diversity of human stories that Rómulo Ávila so masterfully uncovers.