Restaurant led by Octávio Freitas enters the exclusive list of the French gastronomic guide, being the first STAR for a Madeiran chef and hotel group.
“This recognition is for everyone who believed in me, from The Views group to the entire team that works hard with me daily, family and friends. It is also for all Madeirans and their incredible gastronomy. It’s proof that we don’t need to leave the island to be at the same level as the best. Thank you!”, shares Octávio Freitas.
The chef demonstrated that dreams can come true and his came to life, about a year ago, on the terrace of The Views Baía Hotel, which adds an exceptional view to the gastronomic experience provided by Desarma, now awarded a Michelin Star, awarded in the first edition of the Michelin Guide Portugal awards.
This space, attracts attention with its open kitchen measuring around 100 m2, with its Breccia Pontificia marbles and the Morrone stove designed in detail by the chef, where you can also dine and enjoy the high-precision team at work.
The room’s original interior decoration transports us to the Madeiran banana groves as well as the focus on gastronomy with a local identity, which reproduces the typical flavours of the island in contemporary creations. The offer is complemented with details that, whenever possible, are prepared in the restaurant itself with regional raw materials (ripening and drying fish, bread with local flour, cheese, butter, marine sausages and chocolates).
The “investment” takes place in two tasting menus – Munidos de Sentidos and A Batalha do Chef -, duly accompanied by a wine cellar, with predominantly Portuguese wines and including the “100 Fears” list, which is nothing more than the largest selection of Madeira wine from around the world, in a restaurant.
Octávio Freitas was born in Câmara de Lobos and, thanks to a strong family connection to gastronomy and food, he discovered that he wanted to be a cook at the age of 11. After graduating from the Madeira Professional Hotel and Tourism School, he travelled the island with its traditions, gastronomic adventures and regional wisdom that he learned the most. Considered one of the most creative chefs of his generation, he continues to keep his interest in training, new techniques and expanding and sharing knowledge alive. He is passionate about everything that comes from the earth and has a curious vision about traditional products and their use in his kitchen, dedicating himself to organic gardens, researching and studying typical Madeiran ingredients. He founded Octávio Freitas Winery and launched his first wine – Galatrixa – from vineyards planted on his property.
Executive chef at The Views hotels and the Desarma restaurant, he surprises with a cuisine of sensations created from the most traditional ingredients, in a mix of originality and simplicity, enhancing a dance of senses in the mouth. He is the author of the book “Receitas com Mel”, an archive of knowledge about the island’s sugar cane honey and has been a protagonist and promoter of Madeiran gastronomic culture across the 7 seas and author of several regional radio and television programs.
DESARMA
Hotel The Views Baía / Rooftop
Rua das Maravilhas, 74
9000-177 Funchal
T: +351 291 700 220
M: info@desarma.pt
W: www.desarma.pt
Opening hours
Wednesday to Saturday
Sittings at 7pm and 9:30pm
About Hotel The Views Baía
Located on the hill opposite the Fortaleza de São João, The Views Baía is located in the heart of Funchal, just a few minutes walk from the city centre. A viewpoint with a sustainable style for everyone who appreciates the best in life. At a privileged 60 meters above the sea, the view spans the distance between the sea and the sky, with an obligatory stop in the mountains. A panoramic view of Madeira, like you’ve never seen it before.
About The Views Hotels Group
The Views is a Portuguese hotel group, a hotel brand that offers infinite views in Madeira. There, the island of Madeira can be seen from three 4-star hotels, each with a distinct vision, but a common mission, purpose and values. Where local heritage can be seen up close with a global vision and spirit. A brand with its eyes wide open to sustainability, without losing sight of innovation and technology.
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