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Latin America is finally getting a Michelin guide! The big news was announced by Michael Ellis, international director of the Michelin Guide, who revealed Brazil will be the first Latin American country to have a Michelin Guide. It will be dedicated to the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and will be published in March 2015, El País reports.
“The Brazilian gourmet dining scene has been developing steadily in recent years, led by particularly creative chefs. The country has also become a very attractive destination for foreign chefs who are curious to discover products, traditions and cooking styles unlike any other in the world,’’ Ellis said in a press release. He added that “the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo today rank among the world’s leading fine dining centers. Both share a creativity, curiosity and cultural openness that constantly nurture one of the world’s most dynamic gourmet dining scenes in the world.
This is a big nod to the spectacular culinary contributions of Brazilian chefs like Alex Atala and Helena Rizzo, both of whom operate critically acclaimed restaurant in Sao Paulo. Atala’s D.O.M. ranks 7th on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list while Rizzo’s Mani ranks 36th. Rizzo also holds the title of being the 2014 World's Best Female Chef.
Latin America's steady rise into the spotlight merited the creation of the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurant awards last year. Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio holds the number one spot but restaurants from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil are also on the list. Here's a video interview with chef Alex Atala dicussing the rise of fine dining in Brazil.
Alex Atala
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