Deo Optimo Maximo

What an odd year we all seem to be having so far. This June 2025, alas, began more or less well for us thank goodness, and as part of our 40th anniversary celebs (1985-2025) we have been back again to D.O.M. who also happen to be celebrating a special date. It´s their 25th birthday! Alex Atala has been donning his apron and Amazonic Chef´s hat very well over the last twenty five years, though not present in the kitchen on this visit, we where in the good hands of Lisandro on wine and William on the nibbles for our lunch. Arms where twisted and we settled in for all 12 courses of Gastro-Amazonia and as recommended by Lisandro, paired with ‘local wines’. I have never much gone in for this pairing idea, let alone the twelve courser-pourer. I would always much prefer to choose from a menu and a good wine list. The lunch however kicked off with deliciously smoked cashew nuts and a sweetcorn nibble, washed down with a glass of local fizz. The quite outsanding Non Vintage Cave Geisse Brut.

I am not going to pretend to understand what all the courses where made of. Some where to include Tucupi juice, Pirarucu and Piraiba fish. Jambu and of course Tapioca made from Manioc flour. Here is the menu for you to keep up to speed…

Wine chief Lisandro not only poured the twelve different Brazilian wines, but was able and in only a few non intrusive words, to explain what the wines where and where they came from. I tell you, there was not a bad or boring wine out of the lot, a lovely suprise indeed, and all very tasty!  Ordem E Progresso!!

”In this season of celebrations, more than ever, D.O.M. reflects on it´s being Brazilian. Idols, ideals, culture, traditions & ingredients guide the creative process. With this menu Alex selected influences from the southern region ´Sertao´ as an intersection of different biomasses. With every and each dish, allowing a piece of Brazil to be revealed, from the flavors of the Amazon to the spices of the Caatinga and Sao Francisco river valley”…….Alex Atala

´´To God most good, most great´´          ´´Deo Optimo Maximo´´