Sunday Roast / Rafael Cagali

Home comforts

Originally from São Paulo, chef Rafael Cagali moved to London 20 years ago to start his career (writes Tala Ahmadi). Today he’s the co-owner and executive chef of two-Michelin-starred restaurant Da Terra in Bethnal Green and the owner of a more casual restaurant called Elis, which opened this year. Here, he shares his love of Lebanese wine, Brazilian jazz and his dog.

Where do we find you this weekend?
On Saturday I will be at Da Terra and Sunday is my day off. My ideal Sunday includes watching Formula One and relaxing with my husband, Charlie, and Rolo, my dog. Sometimes we cook together or Charlie makes a Sunday roast – it’s his thing.

What is your ideal start to a Sunday, gentle or a jolt?
Gentle. We start the day with eggs and coffee.

Downward dog or walk the dog?
I love to spend time in the forest with Rolo.

A pantry essential?
Extra virgin olive oil that we bring over from Gonnelli, near Florence.

Lunch in or out?
In. We like to spend Sundays at home.

What’s on the evening menu?
If it’s not a roast, and the weather is good, our favourite thing is to light the grill and open a good bottle of wine: Chateau Musar by Gaston Hochar in Lebanon is a favourite of mine.

Soundtrack of choice?
Elton John, George Michael, Michael Jackson and Roxette. If I’m homesick, I listen to Elis Regina, a famous Brazilian jazz artist – I named my second restaurant after her.

News or no news?
News. I like to be informed.

Will you lay out your outfit for Monday?
We’re off on Mondays so I don’t need to.