Masterchef Professionals winner’s restaurant in Paris

On my last trip to France, I went to Itacoa, a restaurant in Paris by the winner of Masterchef Profissionais, chef Rafael Gomes. The name “Itacoa” comes from Itacoatiara, Niterói beach, in Rio de Janeiro. The 34-year-old Rio native has lived abroad since he was 19, has been in Paris for 3 years, and opened his own restaurant in March! I loved the place! In fact, if you need help with consultancy, reservations for hotels, restaurants or attractions, just talk to us and send an email to (email protected). Take the opportunity to also read about the new chef at the Relais restaurant, at Plaza Athénée, 11 restaurants with views of the Eiffel Tower and chef Rafa Gomes’ restaurant in Rio.

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The Masterchef winner’s restaurant in Paris

Located no 2nd district, the restaurant is small but cozy, with lots of wood and plants. In the menu, priority is given to healthy, fresh, local and seasonal products, with fish, meat and wild birds coming from small producers and sustainable fishing. The chef’s creations, especially from the Mediterranean, also reflect his Brazilian identity in some dishes on the menu.

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In fact, we already know that we are in a Brazilian restaurant when there is cheese bread as a cover charge! For starters, for example, we find the Virado Paulista, with white beans, pork breast, black cabbage and quail eggs. For those who like pasta, the black tagliatelle with squid and vongole is a good choice. Furthermore, the menu is very limited, with six starter options, five main options, and three desserts.

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About the chef

In 2002, Rafael moved to California with plans to work in gastronomy. But before that, he was a pizza delivery boy, waiter and manager. In 2007, he began studying gastronomy in New York, at Institute of Culinary Education. He then worked for 2 years at Gramercy Tavern, com 1 Michelin star, and another 2 years in Eleven Madison Park, with 3 Michelin stars. He was invited by chef Mauro Colagreco, who has 2 stars, to work with him. He traveled the world and ran some restaurants, such as Grand Coeur in France.

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Now, with the title of Masterchef Brasil 2018, plans are to open the second restaurant in Paris and, soon, debut in Brazil! In other words, we are already looking forward to meeting you.

By Renata Araújo

Photos: Renata Araújo and Disclosure