Ricardo Costa

Increasingly, the concept of "home” involves the well-being and smooth running of the kitchen, as it is in this very space that many of the emotions of those who use it are focused. For this issue, we spoke with executive chef, Ricardo Costa, from The Yeatman Hotel. Ricardo tells us about the criteria to bear in mind when elaborating this space, reinforcing the idea that "easy access to everything in the kitchen is fundamental for the act of inspiration and creativity”. On the other hand, the choice of equipment also makes a difference. For the chef himself, the oven is his greatest ally, just as a good entrance of natural light fascinates him when it’s time to cook. Finally, he adds: "having a well-built and decorated kitchen makes you enjoy spending time in it more.” Discover the ideal kitchen for a chef, who, among other accolades, has two Michelin Stars. 

Talking about the concept of "home” and the "chef’s kitchen”, how important is the choice of kitchen (from its materials to its details) for anyone who is going to cook the most varied of dishes in it?
I give a lot of importance to the act of choosing the kitchen and employ several criteria when doing so. It is fundamental for it to be versatile, in other words, that when cooking you have easy access to everything you need, in a practical and functional way. Cooking is an act of inspiration and creativity, so it’s important that everything we need is within our reach. 

Does a well-equipped kitchen help towards a good result when it comes to serving? 
Although it is not the fundamental factor, it helps a lot. The list of equipment I have ends up helping to define the dishes I’m going to cook. Each and every appliance is fundamental, but I have to highlight the oven. For example, I recently got a bigger oven and because of this I am now able to cook Bairrada-style roast suckling pig at home. 

Do you have a concept of the ideal kitchen? If yes, what kind of kitchen?
A large kitchen, with good natural light, well equipped and modern.

Which utensil can’t be missing from your kitchen? And why?
I always need a good set of knives. Having good knives makes everything simpler and quicker. They are also a fundamental tool to be able to make more precise cuts, especially in more robust ingredients.

What fascinates you most in a kitchen (the creativity, the plating up, the experience...)?
I think all three are fundamental and complement each other to define the art of gastronomy. Cooking is a process and before I start cooking, I like to get my ideas in to order and make sure all the steps will go smoothly and turn out well, from making to serving.

Does the decoration and layout of a kitchen influence the mood of those who live in it?
Definitely. As I mentioned, I like to make sure that I feel good throughout the whole cooking process and, for that, the condition of the space in which I’m going to do it is very important. Having a well-built and decorated kitchen makes you enjoy spending time in it more, trying out new recipes and delicacies and working more effectively. 

"Having a well-built and decorated kitchen makes you enjoy spending time in it more”

Do you have fun while cooking? If yes, in what way?
A lot, especially at home. That is where I have more space to improvise and try out new things, with less pressure. When you cook for family and friends, everything becomes easier. 

Do you prefer... 

A large or cosy kitchen?
Large. 

A kitchen in a light or dark colour palette?
Light. 

A kitchen with or without an island?
With an island. 

A classic or modern kitchen?
Modern. 

A kitchen with simple tableware or with patterns/designs?
With simple tableware. 

A kitchen with traditional or contemporary recipes?
At home, traditional.

A kitchen with imagination or emotion?
 With imagination and emotion.