100 and Carnal conquer the Michelin Guide again
Restaurant 100 Maneiras and Carnal renewed the distinctions awarded by the Michelin Guide, yesterday, at the Guide’s first Gala dedicated exclusively to Portugal. Present at the event were chefs Ljubomir Stanisic, Manuel Maldonado (executive chef of the group) and Luis Ortiz (chef of the group and head chef of Carnal).
With 1 Michelin star since 2020, this is the fourth time that 100 Maneiras, opened in February 2019, has seen its name included on the list that distinguishes the best restaurants in the world.
“A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time”, explains the guide.
About 100 Maneiras, Michelin says that “the culinary concept behind 100 Maneiras is one of absolute freedom – one that constantly takes risks and seeks to provoke a strong reaction and to leave a lasting mark with guests, often via ingredients referred to as “from the future” or that are little known (the larvae with onions was a dish that definitely came as a surprise!). Everything here revolves around chef Ljubomir Stanisic, a native of Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), who arrived in Portugal in his late-teens following the war in his country, healing the wounds of his soul by devoting himself to cooking. His different tasting menus (A História, O Conto and Ecos do 100, the latter vegetarian), are based around innovative cuisine with a constant nod (both physical and emotional) to his origins, although influences from his adopted homeland and further afield are also evident. His more traditional starters and desserts also have an interesting twist given that he used to make these with his mother!”
Carnal, the Mexican gastrobar opened by the 100 Maneiras group in November 202, was also recognized again, wining the Bib Gourmand distinction for the second year, an award that, according to the Guide, recognizes “great value, and highlights simple yet skilful cooking at an affordable price”. This is the case of Carnal which, says Michelin, “is one of those places that immediately appeals to the senses. In its informal, modern design setting featuring subtle details relating to Mexican culture, enjoy harmonious, well-thought-out cooking with a perfect balance between flavour and spiciness in every one of its superb dishes.”
The Michelin Guide has been published since 1900 and is now present in more than 30 countries. According to the Guide, inspectors who evaluate restaurants always do so anonymously, without prior notice, paying the bill like any other person, in order to guarantee an impartial evaluation of the food and service at each location.