Having lived in Nagoya nearly 30 years ago, Lucia Ohara never thought she would return to Japan. However, when both her children came to Shimane to work at Izumo Murata Manufacturing Co, Lucia and her husband found themselves with an empty nest and missing their family.
So, four years ago, they made the move from San Palo to Izumo, but not wanting to work in manufacturing, Lucia found life to be a bit difficult. So she improved her cooking skills, focusing on cakes and sweets.
18 months later, in May, 2018, she opened her own shop, Tempero De Mae (Mother’s Seasoning). First she offered only cakes and sweets, but has now expanded the menu to include a special mix of classic Brazilian dishes, just like mom used to make.
Even though she really had not anticipated moving back to Japan, Lucia couldn’t be happier with her decision. Despite the long days that accompany being a business owner, often starting to prepare the day’s meals at 7am and finishing dinner service at 11pm, she has found Izumo to be a very welcoming place, and she really loves to visit the beaches!
Coming from San Palo, a crowded city that never sleeps, Lucia has found life in Izumo to be just the right pace, easy to get around in and the Brazilian community has been a great support to her business.
Today, Tempero De Mae focuses on Brazilian main dishes, both dine in and take-out but is also one of the few foreign food restaurants to offer delivery. But if you are after one of Lucia’s delicious cakes, don’t worry, they are still available by special order. So whether you are craving the classic beans and rice that accompany many Brazilian dishes, or you need a unique cake for that special birthday, stop in to Tempero De Mae and introduce yourself. But, be sure to checkout their Facebook or Instagram accounts to see what the day’s special is.
Lucia is a very lovely lady with a great family and we are glad to have them here in Shimane and are excited to see what the next stage of Tempero De Mae will be!
