As professional cook Rafa started in 2003 at The Culinary Institute of America, New York, where we graduated. He lived in New York until 2007 where he worked, among others, at Jean Georges and René Pujol Restaurants.
In 2007, Rafa went to Spain to work with Andoni Luis Aduriz, at the twoMichelin star,Mugaritz restaurant, where he started as a stagier. He participated in many global events representing the restaurant, including gastronomic events inSingapore, Bali, United States and United Arab Emirates, among others.
Chef Costa e Silva concluded his journey at Mugaritz in December 2011 as Executive Chef. From herehe decided to go back to Brazil and open Lasai Restaurant, his long life project, in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil.
With the produce from his two personal allotments,Rafacreates afresh and seasonal daily menu at Lasai. He producesan array of seasonal fruit andvegetables, as well as his own eggsamongst other things,on his10.000m2 land in Rio de Janeiro, and the nearby mountain areas of Vale das Videiras. The team from Lasai has also a partnership with local, small and organic producers from the Estate of Rio.
Lasai is consistently keeping ahead of its game by searching out the best and freshest products available. The hard work has paid off as the restaurant has recieved avery successfulwelcomeby both the local and international audience. In less than a year of opening,Lasai received the award of “Best New Chef” fromVeja – Comer & Beber no Rio Magazine, “Best New Restaurant”,Rio Show – jornal O Globo-newspaper, No.7in the Top 50 Restaurants in the World according toVogue Casamagazine, “Best new Chef”, Gula magazine and“Best News of the Year” in Época magazine.
Lasai was included in the list of The Restaurant Magazine – The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and also “Restaurant wish list: 15 global eateries we’re dying to try in 2015” – CNN International Edition. Together with all this, Rafa participated on the most important Gastronomy events in Brazil and around the world. Lasai is also part of “The Diners Club®World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy” – Global Selection.
In March 2015 Lasai Restaurant was awarded 1 Michelin Starby the Michelin Guide, themost respected and influential guide in the World.
Describe your culinary philosophy in 4 words…
Simple, Rich, Local, “Carioca”, Garden, Local
What is your aim?
To cook and serve food that we like to cook and eat
What’s is your greatest inspiration?
Our gardens and Mugaritz
What three things would you take to a desert island?
Water, Knife and Fire
- 1 Michelin Star
- The Diners Club®World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy – Global Selection
Rua conde de Iraja 191
Botafogo
Rio de Janeiro
Brasil
+213449-1834