Rio food festival draws inspiration from 19th century imperial family
The 22nd edition of the Festival Petrópolis Gourmet, under the theme João’s Flavors – A tour through the cuisine of Brazilian royalty is starting today in Petrópolis, the city in a mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro where the Brazilian imperial family lived back in the 19th century.
Thirty-one restaurants are participating in the event, which should last until November 13, inspired by Emperor Dom João VI’s penchant for chicken and simple Brazilian cuisine. The festival is organized by Petrópolis Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Petrópolis chef Marco Lima is the curator for this edition. He told Agência Brasil in an interview Monday that the idea this time is to join the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Independence of Brazil. Contrary to what many believe, he pointed out, the royalty did not like fancy food alone. “Dom João didn’t,” he argued.
That is why, he went on, the chefs participating in the festival were asked to make dishes linked to the history of that period, “using chicken, pork, vegetables, some cereals, like rice and corn, fruits, marmalades which they used to eat a lot and were marketable. There was no point in having a festival with overpriced food, as people wouldn’t be able to afford it. That was the big idea: to use the royalty as inspiration, but with a touch of simplicity,” he said.
On Wednesday (25), in a closed event for guests, the three best menus based on the festival’s theme and the best dessert were awarded. Starting today, the public will be able to order from the Petrópolis Gourmet Festival menu in restaurants across the city, featuring a starter, a main course, and a dessert. For 2023, the plan is to hold a popular vote to select the best menus.
