Alex Atala, Brazil's number one contemporary chef, cooks three sold-out tasting dinners at Hovey

   

Foodies were thrilled to taste chef Atala's cuisine - which featured rare fruits, herbs and even fresh heart of palm from the Amazon - on the last weekend of October. Chef Atala created an exquisite menu with eight-courses, which showcased his impeccable French-based technique and the very special ingredients that were flown in from Brazil specially for the occasion.

“I’ve always wanted to see Canada, and Hovey’s invitation seemed like the perfect opportunity”, said the chef, whose last festival took place at the glitzy Ritz hotel, in Paris. At 35 years of age, this avid fisherman and hunter is the chef and part-owner of D.O.M. -considered by many, including the city’s food writers, São Paulo’s top table.

At left, the chef's banana stuffed ravioli with passion fruit sauce