Fifty Seconds - Lisbon

It’s been a while since we ate at a Michelin star restaurant and this is a well deserved one. The ambiance, the service, the view, the food complexity and the n... read more It’s been a while since we ate at a Michelin star restaurant and this is a well deserved one. The ambiance, the service, the view, the food complexity and the noble ingredients served are all worth this title. We went there on this very special day and also to celebrate our 5th wedding month. We were welcomed at the lobby of Myriad hotel located at Parque das Nações and enter the elevator that took exactly 50 seconds to take us to the restaurant, high above in the sky with a perfect Tagus river view. The name of this place is, of course, Fifty Seconds by Martin Berasategui. We had the eight course tasting menu plus some petite fours and amouse bouche, all created by the well know chef Martin Berasategui. Our experience started with a glass of champagne Lacorte Godbillon and the several courses paired with Conciso by Niepoort. We were thrilled to have this finesse experience. All the courses were amazingly presented, full of flavor and colours. Our waiter was kind to explain in high detail all the components of each dish in his own very eloquent way. The mood of this place is very relaxing and one can truly enjoy the view and each moment at the right pace. The menu included two of the best sellers of the chef cod “brandade” and the royal crab salad but all the other dishes served were truly delicious as well. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to go on this special date. Our rating 5/5

[4.5 One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had where food is concerned. The cuisine of Mr. Berasategui, by the hands of Filipe Carvalho and his team, is... read more [4.5 One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had where food is concerned. The cuisine of Mr. Berasategui, by the hands of Filipe Carvalho and his team, is a playground not only for flavours and textures, but also for temperatures, with a breathtaking view of the Tagus river, Lisbon and nearby towns, and a beautifully decorated dining area. The service was flawless and the host invited us to visit the kitchen and give our feedback directly to the Head Chef this seems to be a regular practice with all customers, as the team is keen on listening to their feedback and seeking a continued improvement of the whole dining experience. We accepted the invitation, and must share that it was a delight to speak to Mr Carvalho and his team, and see them in action.As for the menu: we opted for the Tasting menu, essentially consisting of fish and seafood the big stars of Lisbon area, and its extensive coast. There was one meat course, however, that did not disappoint.As said in the beginning, it was very interesting to try dishes that not only had different textures but also different temperatures, such as the scarlet shrimp dish. However, the use of pomelo was a bit heavy handed (to my taste , but still a very tasty and interesting dish.The highlights of the menu: the hack loin was just DIVINE, as were the 2 desserts which still make my mouth water just thinking of them. One deliciously fresh and the other rich and velvety and exotic but so delicate at the same time.Not giving a 5 star because despite the huge creativity and audacity, it still hasn’t dethroned our previous experiences at L’AND and Alma.But one day... perhaps? ;