The 37th Festuris - Gramado International Tourism Festival welcomed two Michelin-starred chefs to the Gastronomic Arena. Arika Messa and Ícaro Conceição took part in TV Globo's reality show, Chefs de Alto Nível (Top Chefs).

In front of a packed arena and a large audience, the professionals made a serrano risotto with hydrangeas, lots of cheese, cabotiá squash, and artisanal sausage. The audience learned how to make the recipe and were able to take the step-by-step instructions home with them.

Arika gave several tips, from techniques and rice cooking times to ingredient selection. “We came at the invitation of Arroz Amigo and Abrasel Hortênsias to brighten up the event with a show-class, also at the invitation of Marta Rossi. We met her at Expointer, and she said we couldn't miss it, since it's the master event of Brazilian tourism,” says Arika.

“I'm very happy to be here, to be able to tell my story and bring a message to the public, with gastronomic trends for people to use at home,” she says.

Ícaro commented that he already had friendships with chefs from Rio Grande do Sul even before the program, and the reality show opportunity only strengthened those relationships. “Arika invited me to participate with her, together with Senac and the Fecomércio system, and it is an honor to be here, participate in all of this, and promote local producers, sustainability, and the economy of Rio Grande do Sul,” he concludes.