Manu

The story, inspiration, and recipes behind Latin America’s Best Female chef (2022) and her eponymous restaurant in Curitiba

In this much anticipated book, award-winning chef Manoella Buffara (known as Manu) invites readers to discover how her love for her native Brazil became her greatest motivation. Through 60 never-before-published recipes and four evocative 'menu' collections, a set of welcome drinks, and petit-fours, Manu tells the story of a culinary career founded on a commitment to indigenous ingredients and underserved communities, as showcased within her restaurant Manu. 

Forewords by Dominique Crenn and Manu's mentor, Alex Atala give further insight into the work of this inspiring chef. The book features specially commissioned photographs taken across a single year – of plated food, the land and sea that drive Buffara’s culinary vision, and the communities and ingredients that inspire her. This, her debut cookbook, presents an evocative reflection of the personal journey of the chef and the story of her community, life, and land, encapsulating the ambitions and values of one of the world’s most highly creative and globally respected chefs.

'Today most people know Brazilian chef Manoella (Manu) Buffara from her awards (her restaurant has been on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, and in 2022 she won the title of Latin America’s Best Female Chef). But in 2003, when she was only starting to work in restaurants, she traveled through Europe, planning out itineraries at libraries until her money ran out and she bought a return ticket to Brazil. The book intersperses personal stories with high-concept recipes, such as fermented sweet potato, chile, and passion fruit and kiwi and yerba mate béarnaise.' – Plate Magazine 

‘[Manu’s] food is elegant and thoughtful, she loves sourcing ingredients in thoughtful ways, and she has working relationships with her local fisherman. Most of what [Manu] does can be seen as a template for how restaurants - notably, yes, upscale restaurants - should be moving forward.’ – Mark Bittman

'A gastronomic adventure ... [and] a priceless treasure and a semi-autobiography of a woman who places family, friends, and community at the forefront of her culinary journey.' – New York Journal of Books

Manoella (Manu) Buffara is based in Curitiba, Brazil. Since opening her restaurant Manu, she has been placed consistently in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards and, in 2018, she received the prestigious ‘One to Watch’ commendation at the World’s 50 Best Awards. She participates in conferences and charities around the world, including the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize. In 2022, she was awarded the title of Latin America’s Best Female Chef at the World’s 50 Best awards. In 2023, Buffara will open the restaurant Ella in New York City.

The story, inspiration, and recipes behind Latin America's Best Female chef (2022) and her eponymous restaurant in CuritibaIn this much anticipated book, award-winning chef Manoella Buffara (known as Manu) invites readers to discover how her love for her native Brazil became her greatest motivation. Through 60 never-before-published recipes and four evocative 'menu' collections, a set of welcome drinks, and petit-fours, Manu tells the story of a culinary career founded on a commitment to indigenous ingredients and underserved communities, as showcased within her restaurant Manu. Forewords by Dominique Crenn and Manu's mentor, Alex Atala give further insight into the work of this inspiring chef. The book features specially commissioned photographs taken across a single year - of plated food, the land and sea that drive Buffara's culinary vision, and the communities and ingredients that inspire her. This, her debut cookbook, presents an evocative reflection of the personal journey of the chef and the story of her community, life, and land, encapsulating the ambitions and values of one of the world's most highly creative and globally respected chefs.

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