Review by Pedro Landim
Niteroi chef Rafael Gomes, who delivered pizza, was a waiter and salmon fisherman in Alaska, cooked on six continents and held a prominent position in two temples of gastronomy with three stars in Michelin Guide (the French Mirazur, by chef Mauro Colagreco, and the American Eleven Madison Park), is experiencing the most pleasurable season of its history. “I fulfilled my dream of living in Rio, close to the sea and with intense work”, says Rafa Gomes, 40 years old.
After the success of Itacoa, a restaurant based in Paris that gained Rio versions in the Village Mall and Rio Design Leblon, the chef received applause at Tiara, where he showcases his authorial streak, and headed off to relax at Tin Tin, a bar serving quirky snacks. , an old desire. Graduated from the renowned Institute of Culinary Education, Rafa travels non-stop to give classes and consultancies that range from a bar in London to a five-star hotel in Maceió.
Program victories MasterChef (2018) and Iron Chef Brazil (2022) revealed an aptitude for challenges and the originality of their work with duck, the star of the recipe they presented in the final tests. At Tiara, the bird arrives at the table as a starter in foie pâté with white port wine, grapes, pickles and sourdough (R$ 46.00), and shines among the main dishes, whether confit in ravioli with cheese fonduta and egg yolk cured (R$ 98.00), aged for fourteen days, roasted and lacquered with honey and spices, garnished with pumpkin and miso puree, salty granola and classic French sweet and sour sauce (R$ 288.00, for two). A journey through never-ending flavors.
Prices checked in October 2023.
