{"time":1771951516640,"blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Led by Rafa Costa e Silva, Lasai is today the leading contemporary reference in haute cuisine in Rio de Janeiro. Located in the tranquil Largo dos Leões, in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro's most gastronomic neighborhood, the ambiance is designed to make the food the focus. The dining room is like a stage, without windows, made of a marble counter with only 10 seats, where the kitchen team interacts directly with the customers."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There, the spotlight is on native, organic, local, and seasonal ingredients. Fish from the Rio de Janeiro coast, from artisanal fishing, as well as vegetables and fruits harvested from their own gardens or from small producers, in addition to cuts of pork from Brazilian breeds, form the basis of a constantly evolving menu."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Rafa insists on stating: he doesn't work with recipes. Alongside his team, he creates the menu items based on what is available in the restaurant's garden in Vale das Videiras, Petrópolis. It is there that they invest in biodiversity and rediscover little-explored flavors, such as Jerusalem artichoke or melon cucumber. What is served at Lasai are dishes made with 100% Brazilian ingredients, harvested at the peak of their flavor, which surprise with their creative and striking combinations."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With a 15-course tasting menu, the experience can be paired with wines selected by Maíra Freire, elected Sommelier of the Year 2024 by the Michelin Guide. The restaurant only accommodates ten people per seating, by online reservation. After all, the waiting list for Lasai, which has two Michelin stars and is the 28th best restaurant in the world according to \"The World’s 50 Best Restaurants,\" is long."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/restaurantelasai/\" target=\"_blank\">Lasai Restaurante</a>"}}],"version":"2.18.0"}

{"time":1771950413924,"blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"On an unlikely street in Botafogo, a mix of chaotic shops, workshops, residential buildings, and a parking lot, a large glass storefront can be seen."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The former tenement, now taking on an industrial air, is the city's premier artisan bakery: Slow Bakery, Fábrica e Café, owned by former advertising executive Rafa Brito Pereira."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"From the entrance, the immense high ceiling houses ovens that produce 12 tons of naturally fermented bread per month. The production is shipped throughout the city, or enjoyed right there in one of the bakery's 67 seats, distributed among small tables, a communal table, and a counter."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Their famous croques, tartines, croissants, sandwiches, yogurts, jams, and eggs are made with cheeses or charcuterie from small local artisans and primarily organic ingredients."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There are no ultra-processed foods, the packaging is recyclable, and the establishment aims for zero waste."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Open all day Tuesday through Saturday, and with reduced hours on Sundays, Slow has become a must-visit destination for foodies, business people, and tourists drawn by its numerous accolades in international guidebooks."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Don't leave without trying the choux pastry filled with Atlantic Forest vanilla and a cup of house-blend brewed coffee, or without checking out Rafa's new addition. It's Lazy, a house specializing in natural wines, pasta, and a mozzarella bar. But that's a topic for another post…"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/theslowbakery/\" target=\"_blank\">The Slow Bakery</a>"}}],"version":"2.18.0"}