“A nice place. A gift to Rio de Janeiro that we hope Cariocas will be very proud of”. That’s how the Elena is defined by its six partners, longtime friends who decided to bet on a dream.
Is it a restaurant? No. Is it a bar? Neither. Is it a nightclub? Much less! But it brings together the best things that can be found in these environments that transform it into a unique experience, different from everything that exists today in Wonderful city mainly known for its bohemian life, with its famous street bars.
The first name Elena comes from a wish by the members for a female name. Among the options, they came to her, which in Greek mythology has the meaning of “the most beautiful goddess of all”. But an even stronger reason made the decision stick: they honored a common person very dear to everyone in the group, who bears this name and has its spelling written with E.
Elena, in Horto
Located in a two-story listed building in the Garden O Elena offers different experiences within the same space. There are four environments that can accommodate around 150 people. One of the most sought-after places in the city today, of course, reservations are recommended, but the space also serves customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to waiting outside, a beautiful bar, with a drinks menu signed by the award-winning mixologist Alex Mesquita, ex-TanTan (São Paulo) welcomes you right at the entrance.
Among the options are classics such as Fitzgerald (R$45), G&T, (R$45), Negroni (R$40), Moscow Mule (R$48), in addition to more than 10 signature drinks, such as the cashew tree (R$38), which celebrates Brazilian biomes by mixing cashew syrup with fresh passion fruit and pineapple juice with white cachaça. There, suggestions for starters are also available while customers wait for their turn.
With no one from the bar and restaurant business, the group of friends made sure they were surrounded by the best and has a team of 70 people – from reception to kitchen, service to cleaning – who make all the magic happen.
The menu is signed by the chef Itamar Araujo who commanded the kitchen of the starry mom of Belmond Copacabana Palace , and brings the best of Asian and Oriental cuisine. Between portions to share and eat with your hands, main dishes and different options at the sushi bar, the public has spicy and tasty suggestions.
“I was very happy with the invitation to the project. I saw the possibility of doing something that had been interrupted in the pandemic and that was at its peak. They gave me the freedom to design everything, to handpick everything from the best to the best. We set up the dream kitchen and the best teams in all areas”, emphasizes the chef.
“The formulation of the menu comes a lot from things I believe in and like to eat. Dishes I’ve tasted on my travels through Asia and the United States, both on the streets and in starred restaurants. We are always testing and bringing new things. All the options have gone out a lot, there’s nothing more or less. I leaned in and studied a lot to translate all the richness of these millenary cuisines”, he emphasizes.
In the starter menu, which brings together more than dozens of options, among the most requested are the Ban no Vapor with roasted pork belly, pickles and hoisin sauce (R$ 65 – two units), the Corn Tempurá (R$ 38) and the Shrimp Dumpling (R$ 68 – four units). Bun with cavaquinha tempura (R$ 108 – two pieces), Fried chicken with house-made sweet chilli (R$ 52) and Pork belly skewers, miso caramel and mustard pickles (R$ 56 – Two pieces) are also popular.
In the main dishes and side dishes, other options such as one of the favorites of the chef: the Fish of the day roasted on the grill with Malay sauce, which brings together acidity, a spicy touch, sweet and salty at the same time (R$ 148).
The complete menu is available in all areas of the space that have their own characteristics.
Elena’s environments
The modern and contemporary decoration with the contrast of the neighborhood, full of listed houses, gives it a special charm. The outside veranda gives that taste of Carioca bohemia, with tables organized on the sidewalk.
The lounge, with an aerial area full of plants, resembles a restaurant atmosphere, with a view of the kitchen area separated by glass. Tables and sofas make up the decoration and accommodate both larger groups and couples – a beautiful start to the night that can end at the Gogo Bar, located on the upper floor.
Closed and with DJs, the place, despite the description, is far from looking like a nightclub. It really is a different climate for those who like to enjoy music while sharing sofas and a good table.
The rooftop itself brings the weather in the name. With a view of Christ the Redeemer and green everywhere with the Botanical Garden literally being its garden, it is one of the most desired spaces for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
And it doesn’t stop there: even the bathroom is an attraction in itself. With a play of lights that makes it totally instagrammable, it is an almost obligatory stop for all customers who guarantee their photos and the “I was at Elena” stamp on social networks.
The entire design of the spaces envisaged an intervention in one of the oldest houses in the region in order to harmonize contemporary and ancient architecture, and was presented, discussed and validated by the Instituto Rio Patrimônio da Humanidade. The IRPH made considerations incorporated during the process, including the façade of the historic building, which was completely recovered following the institute’s instructions.
Alexandre Leite, one of the partners, emphasizes that everything is still in the beginning, but celebrates the first months of activity.
“We’ll never say it’s good, because we always want it to be excellent. Rio deserves it. We want people to come here on different occasions and have different experiences each time. . Elena provides that. A dinner for two, a birthday celebration, a meeting with friends, a program to listen to music. Here we unite all of this in the same place”, he emphasizes.
“On Elena you could hear that you are anywhere in the world, but no. Only here you have a view of Christ the Redeemer, with the green of the Botanical Garden surrounding everything. You are in Rio de Janeiro! And we want this to be a point of pride for the people of Rio de Janeiro”, he concludes.
Elena: Rua Pacheco Leão, 758 – Jardim Botânico – Rio de Janeiro/ Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, from 7 pm to 1 am. Friday and Saturday, from 7 pm to 2 am.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
