"Houston's First May Portuguese Meetup!": Our story

This is our story: I, a Brazilian, and Décio, a Portuguese man who is sadly no longer with us, decided to create this group in November 2007 at the "Empire Café," a restaurant on Westheimer Street, near Montrose. The group aimed to provide opportunities for Portuguese speakers from Brazil and other parts of the world (Portugal, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and others). We held our first meeting at the Carioca Brazilian Restaurant at 8811 Synott Rd. (which no longer exists). In April 2008, we began meeting at what was then known as the Emporio Brazilian Cafe. In 2020, the pandemic hit, and we were unable to meet for a while. In an effort to keep the group alive, I initiated online activities, sharing videos featuring places such as museums and musical performances—including a concert by Fábio Jr. In 2021, I decided to dissolve the group. But, maintaining an active page on Meetup.com requires an annual fee and I was finding it impossible to meet this financial obligation since we were unable to gather in person. It was then that Lucien, being a great friend, offered to pay for and coordinate the group in the best way possible with my help. Throughout this time, under Lucien's direction, we managed to promote the group in various places where events organized by the Brazilian community take place, but mainly at Emporio (now Emporio Brazilian Grill), as it was more accessible to everyone, both in terms of the atmosphere (Brazilian and Portuguese), the food, and the music.

Today, I am returning as the official organizer, and I would love to see you all once again to celebrate on May 15th at our usual spot, Emporio, filled with the joy and beautiful music of Bruno.

Come and join us for this moment, enjoying music, conversation, food, and the company of Portuguese speakers, a unique experience that we promise you won't want to miss!

If you arrive early, the restaurant staff will already know the group well and will point everyone in the right direction; simply ask for the "Portuguese Meetup." Feel free to introduce yourself and your friend to them! Share in the spirit of our connected global minds!

We look forward to seeing everyone on Friday, May 15.

Cheers!!!!!!

Vera