Chef Rui Paula

He has been invited to the most prestigious events in the world of gastronomy and won the Chef of the Year award in 2020. A master in his field, chef Rui Paula joins TRENDS in a different role, with a view to providing an answer on what a kitchen needs to ensure functionality and beauty. Arousing the senses begins well before cooking, in a place where the sharing of stories and traditions can be summed up in a single word: cuisine. Have any doubts? The chef lays them to rest. 

Do you feel that kitchens have gained more prominence in houses nowadays?
The kitchen space, nowadays, is fundamental to perform the tasks we want. 

What is chef Rui Paula’s kitchen like?
My kitchen is a kitchen that has been conceived for what I want. I have a blast chiller, oven, microwave oven, steam oven, gas and induction hob... It’s a very complete kitchen.

Is sustainability one of the features present in the space?
Sustainability is present in the separation of waste. But that’s not all. When the products arrive in my kitchen, I take care of vacuum-packing them and, by means of the blast chiller, I can chill the food and preserve it in the best way possible, which means that nothing spoils. Everything is then arranged so that it is well preserved, so as not to generate waste. 

What kitchen utensils should you not go without under any circumstances?
For me, the most important thing in the kitchen is to have a good gas hob with gas burners of various sizes.

Can the design of a kitchen inspire people to bring emotions to their dishes? If yes, why?Design is important because, besides being visually beautiful, it has to do with functionality. The people who come into the kitchen need space to mingle. That’s why I have an island and lots of light, also in order to ensure it communicates with the living room.  

In what way are light and the openness of the kitchen space important? 
The light and the space between the living room and the kitchen should be well delineated, so that the movement is fluid and a convivial experience is made possible.

There are no right colours or patterns, only technologies and utensils?
The choice of utensils is very important, but choosing colours and materials to our taste is also essential.

Walls with neutral or strong colours?
Neutral.

Which kitchen accessory/accessories do you use the most?
Six-burner gas hob and oven. 

Plain or patterned tablecloths?
Plain. 

Round or square plates?
Round. 

Chef's knife or Santoku knife?
Chef’s. 

Food processor: yes or no?
Yes. 

Sink or dishwasher? 
Both.