“OffTheMenu 2024” brings Chef Henrique Sà Pessoa to the Le Cordon Bleu Madrid

Le Cordon Bleu Madrid continues celebrating its annual program of masterclasses and, on this occasion, welcomes the international chef Henrique Sà Pessoa from Alma restaurant ** (Portugal).

Although Henrique was born in Lisbon, it was during an exchange in The United States, that he discovered his passion for cooking after attending a lecture at Le Cordon Bleu, where he later enrolled as a student.

After working in numerous renowned restaurants across different countries and winning several awards, he opened his first project, Alma Restaurant, in 2009. It was named Restaurant of the Year by “Revista de Vinhos”. In 2015, he reopened Alma in the heart of Lisbon, in Chiado, in a much larger and sophisticated setting, becoming recognized as one of the top restaurants in Europe. One year later, Alma won its first Michelin star, and just in 2018, its second.

During the class, Henrique explained his concept, which he defines as a tasteful cuisine: refined taste, perfect technique, and excellent product. Students and alumni of Le Cordon Bleu Madrid enjoyed and learned about his famous dish, “calçada de bacalhau”, the traditional “bacalhau a Bráz” with his approach, and a classic Portuguese cod brandade.

This interesting masterclass was held under the OffTheMenu program as part of the cycle of complementary training activities for the Institute community.