By Simon Thomsen
Chef Alex Atala.
Alex Atala runs D.O.M. Restaurant in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and is coming to Melbourne and Sydney on November 25-27, for Good Food Month and will be at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape in Western Australia, November 22-24. See domrestaurante.com.br.
WHERE'S THE BEST TABLE IN SAO PAULO?
D.O.M. Restaurant. I think you'll get a good idea of how Brazil tastes. Just one? Mani, Mocoto and Epice to mention just a few.
Alex Atala's green tomato gel.
See manimanioca.com.br; mocoto.com.br; epicerestaurante.com.br.
THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
An edible Amazonian mushroom. We've been researching for a while and this year finally found it. Very particular texture and flavour.
WHAT IS SAO PAULO'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
Pastel: the perfect bite any time and in almost every street market. I have mine at the food truck Pastel de Feira in Rue Barao de Capanema.
WHERE DO YOU GO FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT?
To the Galinhada party every Saturday night at Dalva e Dito. Galinhada is a traditional regional food in Brazil and goes with great music and lots of caipirinhas.
See dalvaedito.com.br.
PLACE TO HEAD ON A DAY OFF?
The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world and very peaceful.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN SAO PAULO?
Sushi at Jun Sakamoto and Shinzushi. Jun Sakamoto Rua Lisboa 55, Jardim Paulista, 3088 6019. See shin-zushi.com.
WHAT'S HOT IN THE CITY RIGHT NOW?
Riviera bar: one of Sao Paulo's most traditional spots for artists, musicians and students.
See rivierabar.com.br.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN SAO PAULO?
Nothing. You should try everything you feel like.
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