“My vision is to elevate the very best of contemporary Portuguese cuisine and bring it to the global stage, and to instil that passion in future generations of young chefs.” — Daniel Schlaipfer, executive chef of Matiz Lisboa
Although Daniel Schlaipfer is German by birth, this master chef has been wholly immersed in Portuguese cuisine and culture for the past two decades. His passion for Portugal and the country’s products is evident throughout the menus. Inspiration comes from perusing the local fish market, visiting natural salt mines near Rio Maior, touring vinho do Porto vineyards in the Douro Valley, or strolling through fields of lavender beneath the Beira Alta mountains. He is also enthusiastic about personally meeting guests, which he does at live-cooking stations and by finishing dishes at the tableside. By asking diners about their culinary experience, he gets ideas for future creations.
Besides sourcing the finest in-season ingredients and preparing them with finesse, a point of pride for Chef Schlaipfer is the presentation. Every dish attests to his gastronomic artistry and flair, from the glorious colors of the petiscos (bar snacks) selection to the roasted baby vegetables that surround the Mirandesa beef filet or the seafood stew served in a copper cataplana pan. His attention to detail and dedication to his craft are unparalleled.
For Daniel Schlaipfer, to cook is to delight all the senses while satisfying the body and soul. It is a creative and innovative process… a true form of ephemeral art.
