Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Angra dos Reis • Angra dos Reis

DONA AUTA (at PADARIA do COMÉRCIO)

A cheerful mood for a sweet life

This lady aged 82 was born in Minas Gerais but her heart is in Angra dos Reis, where she produces delicious sweets and cakes every day in her century-old bakery, knowing that her best recipe is living life cheerfully.

A much beloved and respected personality in the town, Mrs. Auta Barbosa Gonçalves, also known as Auta from Padaria do Comércio, has been honored several times and is considered a citizen of Angra dos Reis. Widowed 22 years ago, together with her three daughters she manages the traditional and busy Padaria do Comércio, which in 2015 will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Auta came to live in Angra dos Reis in 1960 while she was married. She worked as a teacher while her husband was the manager of the town’s flour mill. In 1972, he decided to purchase the bakery. They had trouble in paying the installments, but managed with the help and support of the family. When the husband died, the family thought of returning to Minas Gerais, but Auta rolled up her sleeves and, jointly with her daughters, has been successfully managing the business.

One of her great satisfactions in her daily morning chores is having a united family. In the afternoons she paints and embroiders dishcloths and towels. Another admirable custom of this lady is her attendance at all the cultural events to which she is invited. During the FITA – Festival Internacional de Teatro de Angra dos Reis, she will be seen at a number of performances, and whenever possible she also attends events in Paraty.

There is a five-meter oven in the bakery that uses ecological firewood (with certified wood) and which produces several kinds of bread. Production of sweet and salted goods uses 60 dozens of eggs each week. Auta also sells pies, cakes and her famous French toast. She is said to be a better performer than singer Roberto Carlos, as he releases one record every year while she makes French toast during the entire year!

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