Portuguese Chef José Avillez, known around the world as the first chef in Portugal to earn two Michelin stars at his own restaurant in Lisbon, is now collaborating with Mesa at The Karl Lagerfeld Macau. Chef Avillez, who is passionate about promoting Portuguese gastronomy to the world, is the perfect partner for Mesa as it strives to promote Macau as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Chef Avillez naturally chose Macau for his latest culinary adventure as he shares a very special bond with this unique destination of Portuguese and Chinese heritage. In a nod to Macau’s East-meets-West gastronomic culture, Mesa by José Avillez brings two talented chefs together – Chef de Cuisine André Lai from the East and Chef Avillez from the West – to showcase the very best of contemporary Portuguese cuisine.
“The important historical relationship between Portugal and Macau immediately captivated my interest,” Chef Avillez said. “I started by thinking about the concept of the restaurant and the menu. Chef André Lai, the resident chef at Mesa, who knows the products, tastes and local culture well, made significant contributions. My goal as mentor, is to be the lighthouse Chef Lai follows in search of gastronomic excellence. I also aim to be an important source of inspiration for creating an exceptional contemporary Portuguese culinary journey for guests of Mesa by José Avillez.”
Chef Avillez brings a number of his own successful dishes from his restaurants in Portugal and presents them in a brand new way with Chef Lai. Together, the two chefs have thoughtfully crafted a menu of contemporary Portuguese flavours, which manifest the tradition, quality, authenticity and farm-to-table philosophy of dining. Think classic favourites and seasonal specialties that use eclectic Portuguese ingredients with a hint of modern flair. Designed for sharing, some of these dishes are inspired by more traditional flavours, such as the Spring Piri Piri chicken with French fries and the Crispy suckling pig with French fries and orange salad, and others by more contemporary flavours, such as the Tempura cone with tuna tartare and spicy soya, the Algarve prawns marinated over lime or the citrus Kumquat signature ball dessert. The Mesa by José Avillez menu complements an extensive Portuguese wine list closely developed in cooperation with Portuguese wineries and local distributors, as well as a wide selection of spirits and liquors.
Designed by fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld, Mesa by José Avillez’s interior features a bold, blend of contemporary design and oriental inspiration. Here, the Designer’s signature style and favourite colours – geometric patterns, shapes, and lines in black, white and gold – are stylishly infused with elements from the East. In the unique and sophisticated atmosphere of Mesa by José Avillez, it is possible to discover the tradition, quality and authenticity of contemporary Portuguese cuisine through the culinary artistry of Chef Avillez and resident Chef Lai.
