Developing a new menu is always a very intense moment: we are eager to bring new ideas to life, but very fearful of everything that might go wrong.
We spoke with our functional chef, Amabile Kolenda, about developing The Therapist's summer menu.
What did you base the creation of this menu on?
The inspiration for this menu came not only from seasonal foods, as usual, but also from new trends in restaurants around the world, with even more colorful dishes. In every menu, I try to highlight one or two ingredients. This year, we have tomatoes prepared in unusual ways (grated, fresh, or tasting like tuna) and beetroot, bringing a shade of pink to the dishes that is trending in both gastronomy and fashion. In this menu, I wanted to bring a summer vibe with dishes that are a feast for the eyes and a comfort to the stomach.
We want the experience at The Therapist to be healthy and relaxed at the same time, the kind of food for any moment that pairs well with a latte when waking up, a fresh juice during a working lunch, or a cocktail at the end of the day with friends.
What is your favorite dish from the new menu?
It is always hard to choose between "one's children," but I am sure the Vegan Tartare will surprise everyone!
What is the greatest difficulty in developing a menu?
The biggest challenge is always keeping the ideas 100% within seasonal foods. It would be amazing to have sweet and delicious strawberries all year round, for example, so we have to take the opportunity to order all the strawberry and coconut whipped cream pancakes before next winter!
3 words to describe this menu:
Fresh, colorful, and surprising!
To be able to experience this menu firsthand starting May 3rd, make your reservation now at The Therapist LxFactory or The Therapist Alvalade, using the form here.
