Born in the Paraíba Valley, Raphael Hoelz He says he was “found” by gastronomy. As a teenager, the veterinary course was on his radar, but his passion for cooking blossomed after a visit to Senac. He took the entrance exam and graduated in 2004.
After two decades, Raphael has worked in the food and beverage area of large hotels, such as Grand Hyatt São Paulo at the Hotel Toriba in Campos do Jordão, and in the old Four Seasons (today occupied by the JW Marriott São Paulo). To improve his skills, he also completed an MBA in the field and went on an internship in South Africa.
Today he is executive chef and food and beverage director at Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro , where he started as sous chef at the Italian restaurant at the resort. But in addition to managing the behind-the-scenes of the Rio hotel's kitchens, Raphael also goes out around the Marvelous City in search of the most varied flavors.
Next, check out Raphael Hoelz's favorite places to eat well in Rio de Janeiro:
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Princess Bar
Boteco Princesa showcases the chef's unquestionable quality and standards Pedro de Artagão in front of the Irajá Group houses.
At Princesa I find good food in a very pleasant environment. I usually go to the Rio Design Barra shopping mall, where I always go for a cold beer and pastries.
My tip is also the classic filet with Piedmontese rice (R$ 162), which is always a good choice. AND comfort food in its essence.
Princess Bar: Rio Design Barra, 3rd floor; Avenida das Américas, 7777 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ / Tel.: (21) 3495-8810 / Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 12pm to 11pm; Sunday and holidays, from 12pm to 10pm / Unit also in Leblon.
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Ryu Restaurant
Hidden inside the Blue Square condominium, in Barra da Tijuca, Ryu serves Korean food in a relaxed atmosphere and offers a great menu to choose from.
My highlight is the traditional, very crispy breaded chicken with sweet and sour peppery sauce. It's a place that always makes me want to go back to try something new.
Ryu Restaurant: Blue Square, Avenida das Américas, 12600 – Bloco 5, Loja 104 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ / Tel.: (21) 3197-1666 / Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 6pm to 10pm ; Saturday and holidays, from 12pm to 5pm and from 6pm to 10pm; and Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm.
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Absurd Confectionery
Absurda is behind the Botanical Garden, so sitting on the sidewalk and having a coffee and dessert on a Sunday afternoon is quite a tip. If Sunday is rainy, even better: the smell of rain and the wet forest make the experience special.
My highlights are the tasty passion fruit quindim (R$ 215, medium, serves 8 people), executed to perfection and with unique creaminess, and also the Carrot Cake (whole cakes between R$ 185 – R$ 345) which is moist and refreshing.
Absurd Confectionery: Rua Pacheco Leão, 792 – Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro – RJ / Tel.: (21) 99193-3440 (WhatsApp) / Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 11am to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 7pm.
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Shiso
Shiso is the Japanese restaurant at the Grand Hyatt here in Rio, which serves extremely quality and fresh Japanese food. From the hands of a chef Guilherme Campos gems come out that are difficult to forget.
The menu, which has a tasting menu and à la carte choices, has authentic flavors with a worthy sake list and a counter that makes you want to sit down and never get up.
The best experience is to surrender to the chef's choices and be happy. The omakase (R$400) is made in six times and can be paired with wine or sake.
Shiso Restaurant: Avenida Lúcio Costa, 9600 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ / Tel.: (21) 3797-9523 (WhatsApp) / Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 7pm to 11pm.
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Lecado
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I'm a self-confessed fan of coxinha and I love Lecadô's. It's impossible to eat just one. It is traditional, authentic and tasty, which goes well on several occasions and has several fillings.
There are several Lecadô units in Rio, which sell a wide variety of pies, roulades, sweets, savory snacks and even party kits.
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.
