While staying at the Grand Hyatt Rio, on one of the loveliest days in South America, I got the chance to meet Chef Plinio Garcia and asked him a few questions:
What inspires you everyday?
My great source of inspiration and passion to do my best every single day is my son.
Why join Grand Hyatt Rio?
After years away, I felt that was the perfect time to get back to Brazil and be close to those I love. In addition, the challenge of working in a new hotel with so many dining options was very good for my career.
What’s your signature dish?
Octopus salad served in the coconut, my favorite. It brings together the best of fresh seafood with Brazilian’s fruit as coconut.
Where did you begin your culinary journey?
In London.
If your menu was a story book, what kind of story would it be telling?
I would say that currently the menu of our restaurants at Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro
Brings us stories of different cultures. It reflects the genuine and traditional spirit of our contemporary culinary represented by local flavors as in Japanese cuisine, at Shiso, or the typical carioca style of Brazilian food, at Cantô.
What is your favorite dish on the menu?
Seafood Moqueca. It is a typical Brazilian dish, representing the richness of Brazilian sea resources with all its infinite variety of fish.
Has cooking always been your passion?
At the beginning, it was not, but today I cannot imagine myself without it.
Your advice to the aspiring chefs out there:
Focus on each day, work hard, learn as much as you can with each challenge. Get out of your comfort zone. Always be aware, be tuned in to what cuisines are talked about around the world.
