On the night that awards the best of gastronomy, Portugal attacked with a surprise: Encanto by José Avillez, was awarded in the Star category (“Top cuisine, worth visiting”) in the Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2023 .
Although in the guide we already find restaurants where vegetables are protagonists –the most famous being El Invernadero, by Rodrigo de la Calle–, and many more with vegan or vegetarian menus, Encanto is the first restaurant with a star to appear in the guide in Spain and Portugal in which no animal protein is served
After only nine months since its opening, Encanto seeks the reinvention in the plant world. Proving that it is possible an exquisite menu without animal proteins. Here, the real stars are the vegetables.
Located in Largo de São Carlos, in Lisbon, Encanto is a haute cuisine space that exalts vegetables in all their forms. Throughout 12 moments (or steps), priority is given to local product, local and seasonal. Options like spelled bread with smoked butter and sage ash, a green curry, and a trio of mushroom, leek and puff pastry make the rounds.
“It is a joy to receive a Michelin star in the year we opened, it is an important recognition of the work we are doing. Encanto offers a vegetarian haute cuisine and it is a unique space in Lisbon. In Encanto everything is thought and executed with great detail and attention, from the choice of ingredients, to the creation of the dishes, the plating, the service and the atmosphere” assures José Avillez. Regarding the recognition, he assures “The Michelin star is a very prestigious award at an international level. This attribution further reinforces the presence of Lisbon and Portugal on the map of international gastronomic itineraries, which makes us proud”.
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“I thank the Michelin Guide and all the extraordinary Charming team, in particular, chef Diogo Formiga: his training in Marine Biology and his deep respect for Nature have added a lot of value to this project of ours. And I also leave a special thanks to the head waiter Francisco Cunha, a master in the art of welcoming “, he adds about the team.
Image | Charm
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