Last Updated on April 26, 2024
Marrying Brazilian and Japanese cuisine in Mayfair
Mano Mayfair, home of the “manos” (brothers), is an exciting new restaurant venture from financial expert and entrepreneur Alexis Colletta and restauranteur and nightclub owner Romain Fargette, whose previous ventures, have taken him all over the French Riviera. They are opening their first two new concepts in London’s Mayfair with the intention of expanding these two brands globally. Here on Heddon Street at the venue which was once the home to Rumours, they bring “the unbridled glamour of late 1960s St Tropez” together with Nikkei cuisine.
In the kitchen is Head Chef Luciana Berry, who was born in Brazil, in the city of Salvador in the state of Bahia. She was brought up in a traditional South American family where she shared the family’s passion for food. That inspireded her to go and train at Le Cordon Bleu in London. Then, she took part in the popular BBC series ‘Masterchef the Professionals’ showcasing Brazilian food and successfully made it to the semi-finals. She has also been awarded the title of ‘Top Chef Brazil 2020’.
At Mano Mayfair, Luciana is fusing the bold and adventurous flavours of Brazil with fresh and delicate dishes from Japan to bring some very exciting and imaginative food to the table. Beyond the Amazonian jungle exterior, we were welcomed into a subtly lit restaurant with a fabulous buzzy nightclub vibe about it, with DJs spinning the decks from Thursday to Saturday.
The décor is glamorous and decadent, with a golden ceiling, a hardwood floor, mirror wall panels and a glossy emerald green jungle mural on the back wall. I loved the atmospheric lighting with elegant ceiling hung Inca influenced lanterns with beehive-shaped glass bulbs.
We were told that the barman knocked up a fine cocktail, so we were keen to try them out. We kicked off with an Air Mano, a delightfully light and refreshing combo of Aperol infused pineapple, Cocci Americano infused rosemary, Champagne and roasted pineapple soda water which added a moreish sweetness. My Ciao Paulo was a fabulous surprise – Leblon Cachaça sugar syrup, lime & angostura bitter – wonderfully balanced and layered flavours, the cashew apple adding sourness and astringency.
Cocktails were accompanied by three magnificent starters. We enjoyed a glorious bowl of crunchy “Mandioca Frita” triple-cooked cassava chips with wasabi mayo. There was a stunning sashimi platter loaded with super fresh slices of salmon and tuna nigiri with well-seasoned sushi rice.
And, piping hot Bacalhau – scrumptious salted cod croquettes covered in deep-fried crispy strands served with a karashi mayo.
Next on the table, Smoked Picanha with Yakiniku Sauce, Brazil’s national steak, arrived dramatically on a serving plate topped with a glass dome which when lifted revealed a cloud of aromatic smoke. Tender steak slices were packed with terrific smoky flavours and the dish was served with a traditional Japanese sauce.
Luciana’s signature Moqueca de Camar was unmissable a beautifully creamy Brazilian seafood stew with coconut milk, cashew nuts and juicy tiger and Amazonian prawns, perfectly spiced with green and red chilis. Both dishes were accompanied by chilled glasses of creamy Chardonnay.
Finally, a “Pudim de Leite de Coco” – an amazingly rich and creamy Brazilian crème caramel made with tapioca cheeringly dripping with luscious salted miso caramel. Theoretically designed for sharing, though that did prove to be difficult!
Mano Mayfair is heading for success, it’s sexy and fun with some seriously good things happening in the kitchen.
Mano Mayfair
4 Heddon St,
London W1B 4BS
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