Taste Has More Than One Home

By Mariana Freitas

I was born in Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro. At the age of eight, I moved to France, where I lived for 26 years. I studied French gastronomy, trained as a chef, and began my career more than 20 years ago, working alongside Alain Ducasse and Yannick Alléno.

In 2017, I decided to return to my roots. Today, I live in São Paulo.

Perhaps because my own life has been shaped by different countries and culinary cultures, I have always seen gastronomy as something much bigger than a cuisine or a nationality.

Brazil itself is an extraordinary example. From one state to another, culinary traditions can change dramatically, shaped by Indigenous, African, Portuguese, European and many other influences. It is a country where different histories, cultures and traditions meet on the plate.

For me, this is also what makes Globe of Taste so interesting.

It brings together people from different countries, continents, cultures and professions — each looking at taste from a different perspective and bringing their own knowledge and experience.

My own culinary identity was shaped between Brazil and France. Others within Globe of Taste bring completely different journeys and disciplines.

And this diversity is our strength: not because we all think alike, but because we don’t.

That is why I am excited to be part of Globe of Taste.