The Blue Chic: D.O.M. by Alex Atala

Sāo Paulo is one of the biggest cities in the world, the biggest in Brazil, largest in South America and considered as a Alpha World City. It overwhelms not only by its size but also by the diversity of cultures and choices.

This modern and cosmopolitan city also known as “Sampa”or “Cidade da Garoa”(city of drizzle) has a lot to offer, culturally, artistically and off course perfect for gourmands with inspiring and outstanding’s cuisines.

Being in Sāo Paulo, I was dying to go to D.O.M., a Brazilian and contemporary cuisine Restaurant owned by Alex Atala who recently was awarded with the 4^th Best Restaurant in the world!

Fortunately a friend and me got a table for lunch…

Located in the Jardins, the most sophisticated neighborhood in town that allocates the best and most trendy restaurants and hotels in the city. One of the most famous street in this neighborhood is Oscar Freire, that is frequently compared to the Rodeo Drive in Berverly Hils, California.

Just next to Oscar Freire Street you find D.O.M. (Dominus Optimo Maximo), witch signifies the desire to have the “home” of the “best” “and greatest” cooking, the best restaurant in Brazil an one of the best in the world elected by The World's 50 Best Restaurants Award sponsored by San Pellegrino.

Arriving to the restaurant, the door suddenly opens and Alex Atala himself welcomes me and my friend….I have to admit I got a bit confused…even in doubt if it was really the Chef Alex Atala opening the door for me…

The Restaurant décor is very clean, elegant and spacious with dark wood creating an intimate environment. In the middle of the room you find a fabulous Philippe Starck chandelier hanging over a beautiful vintage table.

The chef Alex Atala is known for the use of native Brazilian ingredients, employing the most careful and innovative preparations in the execution of custom-designed contemporary dishes.

He’s cuisine is also inspired and influenced in dishes from all over the world but using mostly Brazilian ingredients like Tucupi juice, pirarucu, piraíba fishes, the herb jambu and the tapioca from manioc flour and many others. The result is absolutely majestic and divine.

We decided to try the tasting menu, and I have to say, from the bread, appetizers, main dishes to the desert...only one word comes to my mind...HEAVEN... I went to heaven all the way…and sadly had to come back when it ended…

After our stunning lunch he invited us also for a tour to his Kitchen, and what a cuisine…with many delicate and colorful food coming out, a true temptation for your palate… while showing us some of the dishes coming out.