Gelinaz – Silent Voices: José Avillez & Co in Lisbon, Portugal

Gelinaz are back. Dec. 3rd 2020 will see the return of the inimitable, culinary, international dining experience from the team at GELINAZ!. Once again, the collaboration is global, and this 4th edition is more soulful than ever. From Dec. 3rd, 130 chefs will remix, play, perform, Matrixes, ideas, menus, recipes, from locked down, in-betweener, silenced GELINAZ! chefs. And like last year, they will be staying at home (again), but this time, they will support their colleagues by giving voice to the Slient Voices. The Silent Voices are the Gelinaz chefs who had to permanently or temporary close their restaurants (for covid or other reasons). If you happen to live close by or can travel, do support this event and the hospitality in general. For any further information please do check GELINAZ.

I am looking forward to introducing the curators of the events in different countries. They will present also the chefs who they engaged into the projects. In Lisbon, the main curator is José Avillez of Belcanto:

A dish by Jose Avillez.

Why are you doing Gelinaz this time?

To pay homage to those who remain or are voiceless and to all the Portuguese chefs.

What is your concept?

Eight Portuguese chefs will join me and David Jesus at Belcanto. The purpose is to celebrate Portuguese gastronomy and recognize the work of all the Portuguese chefs in promoting gastronomy as an element of identity and culture. Together we are going to prepare a one-of-a-kind menu inspired by the recipes of a silent chef – a chef who had to close his restaurant because of the impact of the falling profits or who is being prevented from continuing his work due to the counter-pandemic measures. The menu will be served in 4 rounds, between the morning period and the beginning of the afternoon: 10:30, 12:00 (noon), 13:30 and 15:00.

Why should people not miss it?

Because it will be unique to have this amazing team together, it will be a joyful moment, and we’ll have the pleasure to have Mário Linhares with us, a talented Urban Sketcher that through his drawings will capture this moment.

Who will cook together with you?

I invited António Galapito – Prado, António Loureiro – A Cozinha, António Nobre – Degust’AR, Diogo Rocha – Mesa de Lemos, Noélia Jerónimo – Noélia e Jerónimo, Pedro Pena Bastos – Cura, Rodrigo Castelo – Taberna Ó Balcão and Vasco Coelho Santos – Euskalduna.

This group of chefs represents different regions of Portugal, different styles of cuisine and focuses on the new generation here represented by António Galapito, Pedro Pena Bastos and Vasco Coelho Santos.

António Galapito – Prado restaurant
Works in Lisbon, represents the new generation.
At Prado Antonio Galapito presents a farm to table concept. He works with mastery carefully selecting the best ingredients of each season. Previously he worked with Nuno Mendes for several years in London.
António Loureiro – A Cozinha
António Loureiro represents the North of Portugal. At a Cozinha’ in Minho region António Loureiro promotes  the identity of Portuguese Cuisine with knowledge and the best products.
  
António Nobre – Degust’AR
António Nobre is representing the Alentejo cuisine. He advocates the constant discovery of scents (from coriander, mint and oregano) and the unique and rich flavors of Alentejo.
Diogo Rocha – Mesa de Lemos
Diogo Rocha is a native of Viseu region where Mesa de Lemos is. He is focused on associating the best regional and national products with the techniques of modern cuisine. 
Noélia Jerónimo – Noélia e Jerónimo
In an informal and welcoming venue Noélia offers some of the best Algarve flavours. Her cuisine is technically precise and the dishes are full of flavour and soul. Most ingredients come from the markets.  
Pedro Pena Bastos – Cura 
Works in Lisbon and represents the new generation. Pedro opened Cura at the Ritz Four Seasons during the pandemic. Very meticulous Pedro works with seasonal ingredients to create artisanal dishes with very precise technique.
Rodrigo Castelo – Taberna Ó Balcão
Rodrigo Castelo represents Ribatejo region. In Santarém in a rustic atmosphere Rodrigo Castelo serves author cuisine creations with the most traditional flavours of Ribatejo.
Vasco Coelho Santos – Euskalduna 
Vasco is from Porto and represents the new generation from the North of Portugal. He is a chef and an entrepreneur.  At Euskalduna hee offers an author’s contemporary cuisine.  
Arctic char by José Avillez

You already received the matrixes. What was your reaction when you received them?

Let’s do it!

I know you can’t say whose they are (even if you knew it), so let me know – what film would they be?

Considering the nonlinear moment we’re living for sure a Tarantino’s film.

How will you approach the matrixes and which music do you associate with your approach?

We’re still reflecting on the subject.

Contentores by Xutos e Pontapés the greatest Portuguese rock band of all time.

What are you looking forward to and what is the greatest challenge?

To the future. The greatest challenge is to be resilient.

After Gelinaz, what comes next?

Tomorrow.

Your message to the silent voices:

No words. Just silence and great respect.

And your message to the people in lockdowns:

Gastronomy is a sign of culture and identity.  Support the restaurants in any way you can.

 

 

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